by K. A Knight
I worked myself hard today, training for hours followed by scouting and patrol for another six or seven hours, but when I get to bed that night, nothing I do will make me sleep. I knew it was going to be a bad day when I woke up, I could just feel it. Doesn’t help that Archel has been gone for two weeks, two weeks with no word or sign of the assassin. I even see Trev start to worry. Thoughts swirling and heart squeezing tight, I get dressed in the dark, strapping on my katana and crossbow like I do every morning and head outside.
Walking the perimeter, I ensure all the torches lighting camp are still burning, and then I circle back to my training area. Once there, I start shooting at the already set up target, losing myself in the rhythmic pull and release of the bow, the bolts whizzing through the air and embedding in the target.
Sighing, I walk forward and pluck them from the bullseye, ready to go again when I hear a strange sound. Frowning, I tilt my head and listen harder. It comes again, it sounds like...running feet.
Backing away from the trees, I almost scream when the moonlight catches the whites of the creature’s eyes lurking at the tree line where I just was. I watch in dawning horror as its mouth opens wide, showing its pointed teeth and it lets out a spine shivering growl. More creatures echo the growl from inside the dense darkness, making me tremble.
Panic builds in me, but I push it down. I know I need to warn the others, and try and get everyone to safety, there is no time for fear and panic now. Losing one bolt directly at its face, I turn and sprint back to camp. I hear it yowl before the sound of growls and screams meets me, running footsteps sounding on the ground as they nip at my heels.
Reaching the torches lighting the way, I cup my hand over my mouth.
“EATERS!” I scream at the top of my lungs. There is a commotion as the patrols and scouts hear my yells. “EATERS!” I scream again to be sure, and it ends on a shout as I tumble to the ground, something on top of me, its clawed hand gripping my leg where it yanked me down.
Flipping over, I kick at its ugly, mottled face. Grabbing my crossbow I shoot at the others trying to sneak past me, trying to buy the tribe time. The one at my ankle bites into my leg, making me scream in agony.
It shakes it like a dog on a bone before letting go. Its mouth drips with my blood as it grins at me.
“You ugly motherfucker, don’t you know you have to ask if people like bite play?” I yell before shooting it right in the fucking eye.
The bolt sticks from its eye as its head jerks back from the impact. Its hand loosens on my ankle as it tumbles to the side. Reaching down I pluck out the bolt, ignoring the horrible sound it makes as I pull it free. Pushing to my feet, I wince as I hop, trying to ignore the pain ripping through my leg. Two more circle me as another jumps on it’s fallen comrade and starts ripping through its flesh.
Grimacing, I drag my eyes back to the other two as they dart in and try to bite me.
“What the hell is it with all the biting, anyone would think you are zombies!” I yell, exasperated as I reload my crossbow. When they move closer I sling it over my shoulder and grab my katana, thanking myself for strapping up before I went for a walk.
The one to my left leaps at me, I spin like Archel taught me, slashing out with my sword across its stomach. I gag when I cut through its flesh, its intestines falling out as it lands on its side, whimpering. Alternating between whining and growling, it climbs to its feet, wobbling as things that shouldn't be outside of its stomach, are.
“That’s fucking nasty,” I comment. I yelp and raise the katana as the other leaps at me. I fall back to the ground, the blade caught in its teeth as it tries to rip my face off.
“Hey bitch, that’s the fucking money maker!” I yell before raising my uninjured leg and kicking him off.
He flies backwards and I jump to my feet, almost collapsing from the pain in my leg. My head spins and I bite my lip to hold in the scream wanting to erupt from my throat. Grunting, I push forward and before it can get to its feet again, I grab the straggly locks of hair remaining on its head, pull back, and slit its throat.
Letting go, it tumbles to the floor and I turn to the other one, which is now trying to drag its way to me.
“Really man? I gotta give you points for determination.”
Rolling my shoulders, I limp over and raise my sword.
“I feel like I should say something really cool or dramatic right now, but you caught me off guard so...rest in peace, bitch,” I say before hacking at its neck.
Sure they are dead, I limp back towards the camp. I see the fires going and people milling about. Guards and patrols are brandishing weapons and firing into the night at the eaters attacking. The unarmed and untrained civilians are running down main street, heading for the tent where Trev stands guard, an assault rifle in his hand as he fires into the darkness, a fierce look on his face.
Gritting my teeth, I ignore the fire burning my leg and the blood drenching my ripped pants and boot, and head his way intent on helping. I cry out when an eater flies from behind a hut and grabs a woman, throwing her into the trees before being hit with an array of bullets from guards.
I hear the gurgled scream of the woman as the eaters waiting there rip into her. Fucking hell. Picking up the pace I meet the first guard who is slowly walking backwards, keeping watch as they retreat.
I grab his arm, stilling his movement. His frantic eyes lock on mine, his face is pale and sweating, and I can almost smell the fear wafting from him. “We need to push them back, let the others get to the tent. Come on, if we don't kill them they will only keep coming!” I yell over the sounds of gunfire and he nods reluctantly.
Waving my hand over my head I catch Trev’s attention. Cupping my mouth, I shout as loud as I can to be heard. “We will push them back, get everyone inside!”
He nods, stepping forward as he shouts for people to get in. I grab some more guards and patrols, getting them to pass the message down the line about pushing back. We form a line in front of the tent, side by side as the last civilians get inside. It goes quiet, deadly quiet, until the growling starts up again.
“Shoot low, hit fast, and move on. Don’t let them get too close. Whatever you do, don’t break the line!” I warn and I hear a chorus of agreements.
They scurry out from the trees, obviously realising we are too far away. There are too many to count, over thirty at least. I hear the men's breathing, feel their fear as we stand together, facing down death. Yet I’ve never felt more alive, even as fear races through me, but maybe that fear is good, it might keep me from dying.
They all launch at once, flying through the air, teeth snapping, saliva dripping, and we yell back. Shots are fired, striking them mid-air, many fall but some keep coming. I take aim, shooting bolt after bolt, killing at least five before I have to sling it over my shoulder and wait with my sword. They leap from the ground on all fours, like lions running as they near us.
Steadying my breathing, I push off and slide beneath the one coming straight at me. I slip under it, cutting as I go and turn to another, cutting across its neck as I turn back to the first and impale it on my sword.
I have to duck as gunfire sounds and I turn to find a man screaming, going down with one of them ripping at his throat. Blood squirts everywhere as he carries on shooting. Moving as fast as I can, I scream as I fling my body at the eater on top of him. We fall to the ground, the wind knocked out of me, and it's on me quicker than I can move. Grunting, I batter its head with the pummel until he growls and backs away. Sliding backwards, I search the slick ground until I meet warm, wet sticky skin, ignoring that, I grab the gun and take aim.
Firing, I watch its body twitch as the bullets rip holes through it. Satisfied it is dead, I push to my feet and look around. Only a few more remain, some slink away into the night, and others are being taken care of. Leaning heavily on the gun, I check over everyone. Two men lie on the ground.
“Simon!” I yell and he runs from the tent, covered in blood.
“Sorry! Was tr
ying to save—” He shakes his head and makes his way to the men. I watch his back, making sure nothing else sneaks out.
“Get them inside,” I order and two men help him get the deathly still men inside.
“Okay, we keep watch. I don't know if they will be back, but better safe than sorry. We don't leave until the sun rises!” I yell. They agree as we reform our line, ready to face down anything that emerges from the light, the last line of defense.
I stand there for hours, not moving. My eyes twitching as I concentrate on the tree line. The people inside are vulnerable, I have to protect them, so that's what I do. When the first rays of sun start to ripple through the sky I sigh in relief. We made it through the night, but what horror awaits us in the light of day?
Groaning, I lean back on the bed, raising my foot like Simon ordered. I had been limping around camp, helping move bodies and bury the dead. I left Trev to reassure people, that wasn't my forte, but when Simon had found me, he grabbed me and carried me back to my hut. He placed me on the bed and treated my wounds, he started to fuss and I demanded he go and see to everyone else—I know I am not the only injured one. He left reluctantly, placing my weapons near me just in case.
I almost laugh when I hear the motorbike roaring towards me. I hear it skid to a stop outside before Archel is filling the doorway. A sword held in both hands as his desperate eyes seek me out. When he does, his shoulders drop and he sheathes the sword.
Striding towards me, he doesn't stop until he is sitting next to me. “What happened?”
“Just some eaters,” I mutter, leaning back with a wince. He takes me in, twisting my arms and raising my top until he gets to my bandaged leg.
“Princess. I saw the fucking bodies, that wasn't some,” he countered.
“Nothing to worry about,” I reply tiredly, my eyes almost sliding shut, he must notice because he sighs.
“Sleep, I will keep watch and we can talk about it when you wake up.”
I try to nod but I am already sliding into oblivion.
“Why do you always get hurt when I’m not here?” He sighs, rewrapping my leg for me. It feels worse than it looks, and luckily Simon had some drugs to prevent infection on hand. He said the next twenty-four hours are critical, if infection sets in there isn't much they can do. He offered to cut off my leg, I told him to go fuck himself.
“I guess you’ll just have to stick with me all the time,” I quip back.
“Your shadow,” he mocks and we both laugh.
“Princess—” He starts, before looking away, and something in his voice has me sitting up straighter.
“What is it? Are you okay? Did something happen?” I ask rapid-fire.
“No, well yes, something happened,” he stutters, twining his hand with mine.
I take in his dejected and tired expression and slump. “You are leaving again?” I conclude.
He looks up, nodding. “Not forever, I swear. I will tell you everything, but it's better that Trev hears all of it too. I came back to bring you with me, but...”
We both look at my leg, there is no way I am riding, never mind leaving camp.
“I understand,” I say softly and he grips my hand tighter.
“Princess.”
“Really, Archel. It’s fine. I’ve managed without you for this long, I can for a bit longer.”
He looks away and I squeeze his hand before letting go. “We better go and tell Trev then, whatever it is sounds important. Plus, I need to check on everyone.”
He stands mutely and scoops me up into his arms, holding me there as we leave the hut and head to the tent. I take in the devastation and bloodshed left behind from the attack. All of the tables and chairs lay on their side, splattered with blood and other stains. The logs remain forgotten as well, and the fire is nothing but smoldering ashes. Eater bodies are piled near the exit to camp, they are throwing them there before they take them off to burn so they don't rot and stink up everything. Four new graves sit under a particularly large tree, each a reminder of what we lost last night.
When we reach the tent I see a haggard looking Trev. Simon has set up a triage to one side and the amount of wounded astounds me. Archel heads straight to Trev. One look at our faces and he excuses himself from the conversation he was in, and we head to one corner.
“Good to see you back, but I take it that it is not good news?” he inquires, getting straight to the point.
“I’m afraid not. The Berserker clan has started a war, a Summit is being called. Dray has asked me to collect an important person and be at his back for it. After it is done I will be back. I don't know what this means for you old friend, but I do know that hiding and hoping for the best won't work anymore. I wish I could stay and help you, but I need you to protect Piper.”
I go to protest but he ignores me. “I know she can protect herself, but I swear to you old man. If anything happens to her, I will kill you all myself,” he states casually, but from the look on Trev’s face, he knows he isn’t kidding.
“I will help you sort this mess out, then I must leave. I have brought more weapons and some food for you to store,” he adds, seeming to deflate now that he has got it all out.
“What’s going on?” I ask, not understanding most of the conversation.
“War, Piper. The Wastes are going to war,” Trev says sadly.
Sucking in a breath, I blow it out slowly. “Okay, we are hidden here but that doesn't mean much. We need to step up patrols and extend the border. We need to train everyone to be able to protect themselves and set more traps. We need back up plans and more escape routes. I suggest through the mountain, the fighters will be coming the other way….” I trail off at both of their incredulous expressions. “What?”
“Nothing, Princess. I just forget sometimes how smart you are.”
Glaring at him I turn to Trev. “We can do it, but I will need your help. My leg will hinder me for a while, except we can’t wait.”
He nods and smiles at me, a sad one with a shared understanding. We both came here for a fresh start and it seems they are threatening our dream now. I guess that means we fight.
The sun is high in the sky as the smoke from the eater bonfire finally floats away. We have a small goodbye ceremony for the dead, and I lean against Archel determined to stand. As the ceremony concludes, everyone slowly breaks away, mourning. I remain behind with Archel.
“You have to leave now, don't you?” I ask sadly, staring at the graves. I have a feeling before this war is out there will be a lot more than just these four.
“Yes,” he answers softly, dropping his chin onto my shoulder as he holds me.
“You should go, it’s important Archel. I will be here when you get back.”
“What if you aren’t?” he growls, tightening his arms around me.
“I will, if I'm not here we will meet in the mountains. You can find me anywhere, right stalker?” I tease, turning in his arms to look up at him.
“I don't want to leave, Princess. I want to stay, with you. I’ve never felt like that. I’ve always done my duty, followed Dray’s orders. He’s my brother, my best friend, but right now I want to ignore all of that and stay. Tell me to and I will. Tell me to stay,” he pleads, searching my face.
Looking down, I gather my thoughts before leaning into him harder. “I want to, I really do, but that would be selfish. He needs you, the Wastes need you. I won't ask you to stay, but I will order you to come back.” My breath hitches as I try to hold everything back.
He cups my cheek and presses a gentle kiss on my lips. “Until next time, Princess. Try to stay out of trouble,” he warns and we both laugh, the sound choked and filled with emotions.
Dropping his hand from my cheek he spins and heads back to his bike. “Archel!” I shout and he turns.
I limp over to him and he meets me halfway, his hands going to my hips as our lips come together in a desperate kiss.
A goodbye.
“Give them hell,” I whisper against his mouth.
He nods, kissing me again. I keep my eyes closed, not wanting to see him leave again, not when he wanted to stay. When I finally blink them open, all that is left is a sand cloud where he once was.
Goodbye, my shadow.
It’s been two days since the attack, two days since I sent Archel back into a war zone. I spent the time sorting out the defenses, and Trev actually listens to me as we put new plans and curfews in place. No one goes out alone, everyone carries a weapon, and everyone must learn to protect themselves. We have planned a tribe meeting for later today to announce all of this. Simon and I also scouted farther out than any Forgotten tribe member ever has, and planned where we could lay new traps and trip wires. Things that will give us enough warning in case anything comes again. We can’t face a night like the attack again, it crippled us and only made us more aware that these people came here for peace not war—but that doesn’t seem to be an option for us anymore. If what Archel says is true, and my gut tells me to believe him, we might not have a choice any longer. Every night I stare at the stars and beg whoever is still out there to protect him, to make sure he finds this person fast and makes it back to whatever this Summit is. All so he can come back here—come back to me.
Sighing, I shake my head free of my thoughts as I leave the Hall. I have a lot still left to do today and my leg is killing me. We don’t have painkillers like in Paradise, and once we knew I was over the infection, all we could do is try and let it heal. I can bear weight now, but I think I will always have a wicked looking scar from it. Simon continues to tell me off when he sees me up and about, but I know we don't have time to spare.
So I slowly make my way back to my hut for a little bit of alone time, maybe to even rest my leg, before all hell breaks loose. I hear a noise from the road, and faster than I can blink, my katana is in my hand, ready for any attack. All my fatigue and plans are forgotten as adrenaline surges through my body.
