Inferno

by Nancey Cummings

  “What about boats?” someone in the crowd asked.

  “And trust our lives to the Ghians?” came the retort.

  The crowded murmured again, discussing the advantages of moving across the river and the danger involved in such a move.

  “Why can’t we build a bridge?” Denise asked. “Then no one will have to worry about drowning.”

  “The ferix can cross a bridge easily. They are dumb, but they can figure that much out. We’ll need to guard the bridge, and it’ll be the same situation as now,” Sarsen said.

  “Well sure, if it’s a stationary bridge. Can’t we make a drawbridge?”

  Sarsen pointed to Asche, who said, “Perhaps.”

  “Or how about those elevator things? Instead of going up and down, it goes horizontal, across the river.”

  Excitement flared in Asche’s eyes. “Yes, that would work. We can easily repurpose the transport discs and program them to return to the village side of the river.”

  “What about those in the Forge?” Mishal demanded, rising to his feet. “They are too delicate to risk moving. Do we just abandon them and let the lava swallow them?”

  Asche rose to address the question. “We have tried for months to repair the damaged heartstones. I fear it cannot be done.”

  “So we do nothing? That is your suggestion?”

  “Even if we carried them out to safety, if the journey did not damage them, what then? They will continue to slumber, and their bodies degrade without the reviving fires.”

  “What do you recommend?” Sarsen said, cutting off the squabble.

  Mishal stood silent for a moment. “The heartstones are damaged beyond repair. This we know. I say we give them new heartstones.”

  Dubious surprise rolled through the crowd.

  Tonai climbed to her feet. “We have tried. It is impossible.”

  “Not for a Builder,” he said.

  “With what material? We cannot fabricate heartstones out of quartz or stone or vegetation.”

  “The heartstone crystals came from the north. I remember this,” Mishal said. The crowd buzzed with this new information. “It is logical that more crystals can be obtained in the same location.”

  “What of the Northern Valos?” someone in the crowd shouted.

  “We’ll never survive the cold!”

  “Mishal’s suggestion has merit, but it is not without risk,” Asche added.

  Mishal lowered himself back to the ground, a pleased expression on his face. “That was a good idea,” Amber whispered to him. He nodded once, shoulders squared and looking rather pleased with himself.

  Amber glanced over at Kira, Crystal and Evan. They spoke in a huddle, probably translating quickly for Kira.

  “I’ll go,” Lucie said, voice rising above the crowd. The lower jaw of her valos hung open, stunned. She continued before they could respond, “It makes sense. Humans tolerate the cold better. It’s barely spring, so we won’t have to worry about blizzards or anything. We don’t have the luxury of waiting until the middle of summer.”

  “Absolutely not,” Asche and Sarsen said at the same time.

  Lucie looked as if she would argue with them until Ertale placed his hand on her stomach. Her expression softened. “I’m pregnant, not an invalid,” she said, her hand squeezing Ertale’s.

  “Send me,” Amber said, surging to her feet. Pel and Mishal shot up behind her, protesting. “Lucie’s right. We don’t have time. How fast is the lake rising? How soon before we have to evacuate the City? If we’re getting new heartstones, we need to go now.”

  “It’s too risky,” Pel said, hand on her shoulder. “Send Mishal and me. We’ve traveled to other valo territory. We’re experienced.”

  Sarsen stroked his chin. “The ferix grow bolder each day. We will soon have to leave this place, and the journey north is long. There may not be enough time to find the city of the Northern Valos, E’Lek.”

  “We will follow the river north. The city is said to be near the river.”

  “Will you leave as soon as tomorrow?”

  Pel agreed. “Mishal and I can travel swiftly, although we may require rest if it is too cold.”

  “Take me,” Amber said, taken with a desire to tag along. A trip out of the caldera, away from everyone, and able to spend time alone with her guys sounded too good to pass up. “I know I’ll slow you down, but if you find any humans along the way, you’ll need me to talk to them.”

  “We can speak to any humans,” Mishal said.

  “Not if they’re hiding from you,” Amber insisted. “Think about it. If they’re alive, then they’re good at hiding. You’ll never see them. But if I’m there, they’ll know you’re safe.”

  Pel and Mishal faced her, ready to argue, but Sarsen spoke over them. “How many humans do you think there are?”

  Lucie shrugged a shoulder. “I’m not sure. The ship broke into pieces, but there were tens of thousands on board.”

  “So many?” someone in the crowd gasped.

  “I know how many we buried and how many died in the forest, but there’s a lot more people out there. So yeah, Amber’s right. They could run across more survivors. She should go.”

  Amber grinned at Lucie’s unexpected support. “I’ll need special clothes for the cold. A coat with a hood. Gloves. Waterproof boots.”

  “And enough food for the journey,” Lucie added, already making a mental list.

  “I’m going too,” Kira announced in English from her spot next to Crystal and Evan. Half the crowd looked at each other, having never seen her before. She kept to herself and hadn’t learned the tribe’s language yet.

  Sarsen looked to Lucie for a translation, who explained quickly. “Absolutely not,” he said.

  “I didn’t understand that, but I’m assuming he said no,” Kira said dryly.

  “It’s too risky,” Lucie said.

  “I’m not a prisoner. Am I?” Kira folded her arms over her chest and tilted her head, waiting for an answer.

  “No, of course not—”

  “It’s too damn hot here. I want to live somewhere cooler. Going north sounds perfect.”

  Lucie translated for Sarsen, who threw his hands in the air. “Stubborn humans. Fine. Let her take her chances with the Northern Valos. Any other demands?”

  Lucie motioned for Amber to join her. She sat down on the ground next to Lucie on her cushion. She had a bowl of rock berries and offered some to Amber. “Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, can you trust those guys?” Lucie asked.

  Her instinct urged her to defend her men. “What’s wrong with them?”

  “We just don’t know much about them,” she said. Her dark eyes focused on Amber, hard and biting. For a moment she could imagine what it felt like being strapped to a table with Lucie hovering nearby.

  “You don’t know them,” Amber said, “but Sarsen knows them. He’s their commanding officer, right? They’ve known each other for, what, centuries? A thousand years? More? Sarsen wouldn’t send them if he didn’t trust them.” At least she hoped so. The situation was too important to send two screwups to make nice with the Northern Valos and ask for help. Lives depended on them. A good leader sent the best.

  “All I’m saying is be careful. You don’t know them,” Lucie said. She plucked at the hem of her dress and arranged it over her folded legs, regal and so cool butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. “They might, you know, try stuff.”

  “God, I hope so,” Amber said bluntly.

  Lucie’s eyes went wide with surprise. Her hand fluttered to the base of her throat.

  “Kira will be our chaperone if you’re that concerned about my sex life,” Amber said.

  “It’s not my business,” Lucie replied. “I’m sorry. It’s really not my business, I’m just worried about your safety.”

  “You’re right, it’s not your business. I’m glad you want me to be safe, but I can do without this prudery.”

  Lucie’s lips twitched. “Prudery? Is that even a word?”
/>   Amber arched an eyebrow and waited.

  “I’m sorry for being judgmental and nosy,” Lucie said. “Honestly. I’m not one to throw shade about someone’s romantic life.”

  “You’re really not.”

  “But I’m going to worry. That’s what I do. There’s only seven humans on this planet that I know, and I want you to be safe.”

  “You know the valos.” Probably better than anyone.

  “All but them. Everyone stayed in the City but they left,” Lucie explained.

  “And they were supposed to stay here and worship you?”

  Lucie’s back went stiff. “No, of course not.”

  “Sarsen trusts them,” Amber said. That should be enough for Lucie. The risked their lives to rescue their friend. They didn’t have to explain anything to anyone.

  Amber popped another rock berry in her mouth. Under different circumstances, she suspected that she and Lucie would have been friends. The Concord did not allow anyone to make friends, at least in her experience. Friends were people to exploit or people wanting to exploit you. “This is such bullshit,” she said.

  “You’re the one with the attitude problem. I was just trying to give you a friendly warning.”

  “You were sticking your nose in other people’s business.” Amber sighed, suddenly tired. She didn’t trust Lucie and Lucie didn’t trust her. One of them had to make the first move. “Why aren’t we friends? You’d think we’d manage to bond after our shared trauma or our current situation would… I dunno. Some psychobabble nonsense.”

  Lucie’s mouth quirked up with a small grin. “You don’t win over many people with your sweet way with words?”

  “I rarely had to talk to people, in person, back on Earth. Everything was done through screens and text.” Too much could go wrong when meeting face-to-face in meatspace.

  “I think we’re both too used to getting our own ways. We’re going to butt heads,” Lucie said.

  “Two stubborn bitches.”

  “Basically.”

  Brandi plopped down on the ground next to Amber. “Still fighting?” She helped herself to Amber’s pile of rock berries. “You’re both mega-bitches, but we like you anyways. Just kiss and make up, already.”

  “You’ll need to dress for the elements. I wonder how quickly Tonai can outfit you?” Lucie wondered out loud.

  Maar approached and took Brandi’s hand. “Come, sweet one. There is a statue I promised to destroy for you.”

  Brandi stretched up on her tiptoes. “You are the best, baby.”

  ***

  Their party left the City in the Caldera by mid-morning. The valos did not require sleep, so Tonai and Mishal worked through the night fabricating the gear necessary for the journey.

  Tonai presented Amber with a hooded coat made of a thin yet durable fabric. It flowed through her fingers like water, but Tonai swore it would keep her warm and dry. The hood was lined with a soft fur. Amber brushed it against her cheek, entranced. She was also given a tunic and trousers made of the same fabric, only darker, as well as fur-lined boots and gloves.

  Kira had been given the same clothing but refused to wear it. She wore sandals and a knee-length tunic. Amber didn’t question her attire. Kira knew what she needed.

  In addition to clothes, they had packs with bedrolls, a pot, a cup and a bowl. A water canteen, foodstuffs, and the basics to maintain hygiene rounded out the packs. Amber insisted on a fire-starting kit, flint and a bit of tinder, as well as a knife. She’d been caught flat-footed in the wilderness once, and she didn’t fancy the idea of it happening again.

  “How about those chocolate nut things? If we find anyone, they’ll be starved for a bit of chocolate,” Amber said, packing fruit and the suklaa nuts into her bags. The pack had already been stocked with dried meat, bread, sticky fruit and nut granola-like bars good for traveling, and tea leaves. Pel believed the journey could take five to six days, depending on the weather. He insisted that they carry enough food to last two people for two weeks.

  “Ready?” Amber asked, shouldering her bag.

  “You have no idea,” Kira said.

  Chapter Eight

  Mishal

  Mishal did not want to bring the human females along for the journey to E’Lek. They would only hinder the journey.

  The party left the City in the Caldera at dawn, carrying food and supplies on their backs. He required no sleep and could travel as easily in the dark as in the light, but the humans had poor vision in low light. Mishal and Pel would have to stop several times during the day to allow the humans to eat and rest. At night they would be forced to make camp. He and Pel alone could have traveled much quicker on their own, but they were forced to make concessions to the humans because Pel wished to flirt with Amber.

  Correction. Pel wished for Mishal to soften his opinion of her. Mishal’s heartstone pulsed with the truth of this statement.

  Pel did not realize that his opinion had already shifted favorably towards her, as guard duty frequently called Pel away. Mishal had been left alone to watch and protect her. He did not court her. Truthfully, he often did not speak but only observed.

  The bright and fresh taste of her still linger on his tongue reminded him that he did more than observe her.

  His attraction to her could not be denied. To do so would be foolish. She pulled at him and made him act recklessly out of character.

  She made him feel alive. He was not sure if he liked the feeling.

  Mishal had always been cautious in his regard of others and based it more on interaction than conversation. Those skilled with words and charm could too easily confuse and mislead. Actions spoke true. During their needlessly long journey north, Mishal could evaluate the effect this Amber Rosalsky had over him.

  The fresh air, sun, and walking would clear his mind.

  Pel elbowed him in the ribs. “You are staring at our mate’s posterior. I have been told it makes her feel uncomfortable.”

  Mishal snapped his gaze away from Amber’s bottom. He did not realize he had been staring. “I know what you are doing,” Mishal warned Pel. “It will not work.”

  “You already kissed her, so do not act aloof and superior. You want her as much as I, but at least I am honest about it.”

  “I’m right here, guys,” Amber said. “Please stop talking about me like I’m a piece of meat.”

  They left the mountain and continued north, following an old paved road from the time of the Creators. Eventually, the forest gave way to the plains. At the midpoint of their journey, they would reach the edge of a plateau. According to memories better than his, stairs were carved into the cliffside. They would descend to the realm of the Northern Valos. Every step of the journey was a fight against the northern wind, which swept sharp and bitter across the plains.

  Mishal remained determined that Pel’s obvious plan would fail. Mishal was far too intelligent to be manipulated by prolonged exposure. No matter how many hours he stared at the back of Amber, he would not be charmed by her posterior or the way it bounced and jiggled. Should he be able to see that through the layers of cloth?

  “Do you require more garments? Are you cold?” he asked, unsure where he would procure more if she said yes.

  “I’m getting a little warm walking, actually,” she said before removing the fur-lined cap to expose her sandy blonde hair. The short hair stuck up at odd angles. Mishal couldn’t help but smile at her complete lack of concern about her appearance.

  The endurance of the human females impressed him.

  Amber did not complain about the cold. Wrapped in layers and with specially made accessories for her hands and feet, she bore the cold in stoic silence. Kira, the other human, did not even wear a coat. She walked through the early morning hours wearing little more than a tunic and sandals. Perhaps humans were specially adapted for the cold.

  He would not mind such an adaptation. Outside the caldera, he relied on his own fires to warm himself. The northern wind numbed him, and his reflexes grew sl
uggish as the day progressed. A quick check on Amber confirmed that her nose had grown red from the cold and her eyes watered from the wind.

  Kira smiled.

  They walked for hours, pausing only to refill water pouches at a stream. Kira splashed the freezing cold water on her face. Her hair clung to scalp in damp clumps. Despite covering herself with the minimal garments needed to preserve human modesty, she appeared red and overheated.

  “Are you well?” he asked. Far from an expert on human anatomy, her coloration did not seem correct.

  “Not for a long time, but I’ll be fine,” Kira said. “Is it getting colder or is that wishful thinking?”

  “Definitely getting colder. Some sunshine would help, but it’s all grey skies from here to the horizon,” Amber said.

  The grass of the plains eventually swallowed the last remnants of the Creators’ road. Their progress slowed as the humans navigated uneven terrain and nearly frozen mud.

  At midday, Mishal spotted a figure half in the river. From a distance, it could be valo or perhaps even human. “Stay here,” he ordered and clambered down the riverbank to get a better look. Pel followed. Going closer meant being near the river and within reach of any Ghians, the water valos. Their territory was far away but he could not ignore his fear.

  However, if the human required assistance, Amber would insist they provide that assistance, Ghian or no.

  “What is it?” Amber asked, ever curious. A voice in the back of his head noted that Flin would approve of her curiosity. Mishal quickly dismissed that voice as foolishness. Flin could approve of nothing and Mishal would not attribute his wishful fancies to the unconscious male.

  “Be careful,” Mishal cautioned.

  “You worry for nothing. I do not sense any Ghian Valo,” Pel said. He crouched near the body, the river lapping at his feet.

  “They are tricksters. They could be watching, waiting for your guard to be down.” Mishal did not trust the river. Too many secrets lurked under the surface. A Ghian could wrap their wet fingers around the ankles of a Fire Valo and drag them down to the bottom of the river and drench their fire. His form could tolerate a moderate amount of submersion, but he could drown as easily as he could suffocate.