Shaking her head, Zania felt betrayed. Why hadn’t Svend trusted her? "There wasn’t time to talk about anything."
Gray chewed on a piece of meat. "Anyway, Svend and I made a deal with the scientists. They help us free the slaves, and in exchange, the slaves save the citizens."
"Save the citizens?" This wouldn’t have been Zania’s first impulse, since some of them exploited slaves for bloody sport. "Why don’t they save themselves?"
Gray shrugged. "They don’t even know they are in danger. They can’t leave the city, they can’t fight, and the machines tell them that everything is fine."
"But why?" None of this made sense to Zania.
"There is no place to relocate them." Gray cut another piece of meat from the roast. "The cities are few and far apart and they don’t have room for refugees. Taking extra bodies would jeopardize their own survival. Each city can only sustain a limited number of citizens. That’s why the population is strictly controlled."
Something didn’t feel right. "Why not just tell the citizens and let them deal with it?"
Gray shook his knife at Zania. "They can’t overcome the machines."
"The machines?" There was so much Zania didn’t know.
Raven nodded and her long hair glistened in the light of the fire. Her dark eyes opened wide, as if in warning. "Military robots programmed to prevent anyone going in or out of Dagora."
Gray wiped the knife blade on his fur vest. "The scientists realize that in case of a catastrophe, a non-violent population is like sheep to slaughter. So they started to reinsert the aggressive gene into the lab babies a few years back."
Raven laid a reassuring hand on Gray’s arm. "These scientists are risking their lives. The machines would kill them if they knew. But it might be too late."
"Why don’t the scientists warn the population?" It seemed logical.
Gray shrugged. "The machines would kill them before they could finish the first sentence."
"Just perfect." Was everyone a prisoner on this planet?
A rough-looking young man suddenly rose and threw the pit of his eaten fruit into the fire, as if to get everyone’s attention. "And I say why do we care about the citizens? Why risk our lives to save them? Let them die. They don’t like us anyway. To them we are little more than animals."
"Shut up!" Gray didn’t raise his voice but the tribe quieted immediately.
"Some of these citizens have helped us escape," Gray said calmly. "And saving human lives is just the right thing to do."
"Of course, you would say that. But I don’t want to die for them." The trouble maker spit in the direction of the fire and missed it a few inches. The wet spot sizzled on the hot stone floor. "I just want to get away from here and find a better place to live."
Gray sighed. "Don’t we all. And we will, eventually."
"Not if we waste our time trying to save these stupid people." Stepping inside the circle, the man marched toward the leader in open defiance.
Raven drew her dagger, ready to defend Gray.
The young man stopped. "If we save them, they’ll become our responsibility. We’ll have to protect them, feed them. They’ll bring their children, they’ll slow us down, be a burden. I say we save ourselves and let them deal with their own problem."
A few others in the tribe murmured or nodded their assent.
"Enough!" Gray stared down the protestors. "We’ll speak of this when the time comes."
Zania suddenly wondered who Gray was. The others in the tribe were all young but the old man didn’t even look like a warrior. The reason he lived so long must be that he never fought in combat. His natural restraint reminded Zania of... a native. He communicated with the citizens in Dagora, had knowledge of their technology, spoke their language... And as such, since he’d escaped from the bunker, he could only be...
An escaped guard? A gray? Zania realized that the nickname had nothing to do with the older man’s silvery hair.
Unable to contain her curiosity Zania tested her theory. "I always believed the guards in the bunker were mute. Is it true?"
Gray stared at Zania long and hard but showed no emotion. "They didn’t used to be. After our escape, they cut the guards’ tongues to prevent them from scheming with the slaves." His shoulders dropped an inch. "I guess I’m responsible for that."
"I’m sorry." Zania felt awful for asking. She also understood that when Svend escaped to join this gang, he’d have serious conflicts to resolve. She hoped he had good leadership skills.
But it wasn’t his leadership Zania longed for. The more she learned about Svend, the more she realized how wrong she’d been about him. He had courage, endurance, and above all, a noble heart. And she could still taste his kiss lingering on her lips.
Chapter Nine
Zania spent the next two days hunting small game and learning the ways of the Freedom tribe. The lava tubes and the jungle surrounding her new home became familiar. Her wounds were healing fast and required no more bandages.
The second morning, the earth shook briefly. Then Zania went on a reconnaissance trip into the labyrinth of caves. After finding a small chamber at the dead end of a maze, she swept the dust and bat droppings, then laid a mat of wide leaves on the floor. A twisted fissure in the ceiling brought little light but allowed air currents to circulate. The perfect love nest away from prying eyes... for whenever Svend arrived.
As she bathed in the pond at the bottom of the waterfall, Zania enjoyed the cool swirling waters. The heavy scent of tropical blooms and ripe fruit filled the air. Monkeys screamed over the roar of the fall, and birds sang, a sign that all was well in the rain forest.
A sudden cacophony of human birdcalls in the trees made Zania look up. She recognized the coded trills of the sentinels. The live birds stopped chirping and the monkeys quieted their chatter. Zania hadn’t mastered the meaning of each call yet, but someone approached. Friend or foe?
Quickly, Zania swam to the shore and hoisted herself onto the green bank then dashed for cover. Crouching behind the bush where she’d left her clothes, she slipped them back on, listening for the telltales of whatever came her way. After pulling on her boots, she rose and peered through the foliage.
Half a dozen Freedom warriors emerged from the cave through the waterfall. They carried only knives, and from the smiles on their faces and the bounce in their steps, Zania could tell it would be a happy event. She burned to ask, but mustn’t speak in the open. Could it be Svend?
Heart pounding, Zania secured the dagger on her belt. She squeezed the water from her hair then followed the welcoming committee down the slope at an eager jaunt. Aphrodite, goddess of love, let it be Svend.
Love... The word had come unbidden. Zania couldn’t be in love. This crippling emotion didn’t fit the life of a warrior. In this inhospitable world, it would only weaken her, get her killed. Why did she always fall for the handsomest man? Would she ever learn they couldn’t be trusted? Time for a reality check. Zania had to look out for herself in order to survive.
Recognizing the trail leading to the vent through which she’d escaped, Zania dared to hope, and her heart beat faster. The welcoming party soon came upon a group of Vikings. They’d made it to freedom!
When she saw Svend at the head of his men, Zania forgot all her resolutions. He smiled as he recognized her. Mindful of the satellites, she refrained from yelling and laughing but rushed into his arms.
Svend didn’t stop her, just held her tight against his chest in silence, and Zania couldn’t remember her heart beating so hard, or ever being so happy to see anyone. Or was it his heart beating? She reveled in the warm scent of his smooth skin, the feel of his silky hair, her fingers tangling in the fur of his sleeveless vest.
The column had halted behind Svend, and the Freedom delegation welcomed the Vikings with hugs and strong arm grips. The fact that they didn’t say a word seemed eerie, but their faces exulted with the joy of being alive and free.
Zania didn’t see the Amazons or the Centur
ions but assumed they would be further down the slope. Good. She didn’t want Dakini to spoil this happy reunion just yet.
Taking Svend by the waist, Zania walked alongside him as the column started again up the slope. One Freedom woman ran up ahead, probably to warn the tribe of the great number of men and women coming to join them. Good thing the network of lava tubes went on for kliks. The adjacent rooms and recesses between the pillars could easily accommodate such a crowd.
Hanging on to Svend, who balanced a heavy bundle on his other shoulder, Zania ducked to avoid low branches sweeping from the trees across the narrow trail. Unable to express her joy, she grinned like a silly girl. Svend seemed as happy to see her as she was to see him, winking, and squeezing her shoulder. His clear, expectant gaze pierce her, bringing tingles throughout her body.
Where would this relationship lead? Zania had no clue, but she wanted it with her whole being. The fire burning at her core wouldn’t be denied. The prospect of the celebration to come, and the night in the safe haven of the cave with Svend by her side made her dizzy with elation.
The aroma of cooking meat already permeated the jungle as the column approached the waterfall. Svend smelled the air and gave Zania a questioning look. Zania only smiled smugly, nodding. One of the advantages of freedom, was the option to celebrate. And celebrate, Zania would.
Svend looked impressed by the waterfall masking the cave entrance.
After they crossed inside, Zania let her exuberance surge. "I’m so glad you made it." As Svend frowned, she added. "Oh, we can speak now. It’s safe."
Grabbing his hand, she led him inside, toward the main hall. The assembled Freedom tribe cheered as the Vikings filed in. Svend unloaded his shoulder burden on the stone floor then unwrapped it, revealing weapons. Not the training kind, but those used in real combat in the arena. The other Vikings spread more weapons next to his, before moving on.
Soon, the pile grew almost waist high.
"You raided the armory?" Zania pointed to some dried blood on the blades. "What happened?"
Svend didn’t answer as he caught sight of Gray who came toward him. He locked arms with the old leader. "You look well." Svend stepped back and lowered his head. "Sorry, Gray. The guards refused to help us or come with us."
Gray shook his head. "Stupid old grudges... I’m not surprised."
"One of us found a way to kill the recording machines." Svend chuckled. "Flimsy things are no match for a good battle axe..." His face grew serious. "But we couldn’t let the guards give the alarm."
Zania had not expected bloodshed. "You killed them all?"
"Had to." Svend’s voice cracked.
Gray hung his head and sighed. "It was a matter of survival... I understand."
So did Zania.
Svend walked away with Gray, and Zania gave them privacy.
After the Vikings, the Centurions filed in, then the Amazons. Zania looked for Morrigan among the women coming in. When she finally saw her, Zania went to her, but the stubborn red head averted her gaze and changed direction. Perfect! Not only did Zania feel guilty, but Morrigan wouldn’t forgive or forget. Zania hoped she hadn’t made an enemy of her ex-best-friend.
All the newcomers were welcomed like long lost relatives. Zania realized this was their family, and now hers as well, with elements she loved and others she’d rather never see again. Speaking of which... Dakini now entered the cave, closing the rear with the Gorgon.
At the sight of Zania, Dakini’s brown face paled and her features froze into an expression of surprised anger. "You survived the tigers?" she spit out the words as if they stung her mouth. "How?"
Zania hid her righteous anger behind an amused smile. "The one I killed is cooking now." No need to bring Dakini’s wrath on Svend or Morrigan. Let her think Zania had survived the poison on her own and fought her way out of the pile of cadavers for which she was destined.
The Gorgon’s cold green eyes stared at Zania in disbelief. The serpents on her head writhed in agitation. "Never mind the tigers. How did you survive my venom?"
If the Gorgon hadn’t noticed her missing antidote, Zania wouldn’t bring it up. "It seems my body overcame it." That ought to shake the Gorgon’s confidence and maybe prevent her from trying that again.
Dakini glared at Zania. "Watch your steps, upstart," she hissed with unadulterated hatred. "I’ll strike you when no one is watching... When you least expect it. No one defies me and lives..." She turned and walked away, followed by the Gorgon.
*****
During the festivities, groups sat in circles around the many fires where the delicious aroma emanated from the roasting meat. As they ate and drank, many retold the escape, and the stories started to grow more heroic as the afternoon passed.
Sitting next to Svend, Zania shared a smaller fire with the leaders of the tribes, including Dakini, the Gorgon, the chief Centurion, Gray, and Raven. Morrigan sat in a circle of Amazons. At intervals during the meal, Zania stole glances her way, but Morrigan never looked back. The cold rejection drove a spear through Zania’s guilty conscience. But what else could she do?
The gourds of fermented Juju wine made several rounds. Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, except for Dakini who barely sampled the meat. Zania made sure she only ate pieces the Gorgon didn’t touch. She didn’t trust these two.
After the meal, Gray rose and called everyone’s attention. "I want to thank the person responsible for providing this delicious meat. I have a special gift for her."
Zania wondered what it would be. Weapons? She hoped for a sword.
Out of a leather pouch at his belt, Gray took out a primitive leather necklace. "Rise, Zania."
Standing up, Zania approached the man, confused.
Gray exhibited the necklace for all to see. "It is made with the eighteen claws and the two fangs of the tiger we ate today. I understand it’s Zania’s first tiger. Congratulations!" He slipped the necklace over Zania’s head.
"Thank you." Zania caressed the smooth claws and long fangs, surprised at the honor. She didn’t even know that the warriors had retrieved these small trophies. "I’m flattered you took the time."
The gathered warriors cheered, making Zania blush.
Only three people didn’t cheer, Dakini, the Gorgon, and Morrigan.
But Svend applauded louder than anyone. Zania couldn’t wait until the end of the festivities. She knew what she wanted, but could it really happen? The thought of Svend naked against her skin made her shudder with anticipation.
*****
Late into the night, the drunken singing and the merrymaking filled the cave with loud human sounds.
Although he never refused a round, Svend didn’t seem to be affected by the drink.
Zania refused the Juju wine Svend offered and passed it on. "I don’t know much about you," she ventured. "We never had time to talk."
"I learned a few things about you from Morrigan." Svend winked. "She seems to know you well."
The sexual innuendo bothered Zania. How could she deny her own future? "Where do you come from?"
"I come from a place where the Viking gods walk the Earth. My father’s small kingdom worshiped Odin and paid tribute."
"You were a prince?" No wonder he had such noble features and aspirations.
"A whole lot of good it did. Neither King, prince, nor god could protect the kingdom from the scourge of the Collectors when they came from the sky." The bitterness in his tone revealed much bottled up anger.
Zania understood but still wanted to know. "What happened?"
Svend’s jaw muscles contracted. He remained silent for a few seconds. "I’d rather not talk about it."
The intensity in his tone surprised Zania. She didn’t dare ask further.
Gradually, the crowd thinned as many retired. Only fifty or so remained around the fires. Amazons now mixed with Vikings and Centurions, enjoying their newfound freedom. Couples formed, and some groped each other in front of everyone.
When Svend covered her hand
with his, Zania looked up into his clear gray eyes, shining in the glow of the fire.
He smiled and winked. "Want to go some place quiet?"
Zania’s heart jumped in her chest. "Sure." She quickly scanned the main cave. No trace of Dakini, the Gorgon, or Morrigan. They must have gone to bed. No doubt the Amazons would organize their own quarters in the cavernous maze.
But for Zania, home tonight would be close to Svend.
Standing up, Svend thanked Gray for his hospitality. So did Zania. No one paid attention as Svend picked up the large fur that had wrapped his weapons and followed Zania toward the far end of the hall.
Svend selected a torch from a pile and lit it from the sconce on the wall. "The tunnels will be crowded tonight."
Catching the longing in his eyes, Zania was glad she’d thought ahead. "I know a place out of the way."
"Show me." Svend’s eyes sparkled as he held the torch high.
Their boots echoed along the wide lava tube as they left the happy noise of the festivities behind. Svend placed his hand on the small of Zania’s back, eliciting a delicious shiver.
Intersections and large natural pillars made the network of lava tubes a confusing labyrinth. Along the walls and around the pillars, warriors slept. Some snored. Others stirred as Svend and Zania walked by. The muffled moans of hidden couples making love in dark recesses haunted some of the passages.
Half a dozen inebriated men returning to the main cave made rude comments about coupling. Zania resisted the urge to confront them. They were drunk. No sense in acting offended. It would mar her state of bliss.
As the group drew closer, Svend interposed himself between them and Zania. The men quieted and didn’t dare confront one of their leaders. Although she could take care of herself, the protective gesture made Zania smile. How sweet of him to shield her from these bullies.
Despite the fact that she’d only drank from the Juju gourd once, Zania felt intoxicated. Could this be happening? She took several turns, then a larger tunnel branched out into smaller tubes, like the rivulets of an estuary.
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