Choice

by Jean Booth

  Raif was adamant that I attempt to look like an apprentice farm hand while we walked the main roads. I tried to point out that he was supposed to be at his house, guarding me, so it seemed rather pointless to hide who I was. Anyone we ran into on the way would know who I was because I was with him. He grunted a response under his breath that I pretended not to hear regarding women and their need to be correct all the time. I’d forgotten the fun parts of being in a very comfortable relationship, the teasing, the back and forth. I smiled. He swept me into his arms and kissed me.

  “What was that for?” I said a little breathlessly.

  “When a beautiful woman smiles at you, sometimes you just have to kiss her, especially when that beautiful woman is yours.” He plopped me back down and I pretended to readjust my pack to hide my silly grin.

  It seemed like he’d packed enough crap for us to camp for a week, not one night. His pack contained supplies; while mine held food and things we might need for the mating ritual. He wasn’t all that certain of what we’d need and we were both hoping that Cleito would be better prepared.

  He laced his fingers with mine as we walked in companionable silence. We were following the same path that we’d taken that led to the palace. He’d explained that we’d take this path to Melic, where we’d veer off onto a different, less traversed path to tromp through the woods and into the mountains. There was a hidden bridge there that we’d be crossing in order to reach the mainland of Atlantis. If all went well, we’d make camp in a cave tucked into the mountains on the mainland, just as the sun was rising.

  After we’d been walking for a little while, I felt Raif tense next to me. The next moment I was being thrown into the forest, and he covered my body with his own. Three Atlanteans walked by us talking in a language I couldn’t understand. They were obviously drunk and gesturing quite boldly. Raif’s anger seemed to be increasing as they talked so I assumed they were talking about me.

  “Hey,” I whispered into his ear as loudly as I dared after they passed. “What are they saying, and why can I understand you, but not them?”

  I put my hand on his cheek, gently forcing him to notice me and ignore the jerks walking toward his home. Even though I didn’t understand them, I had a very good idea what they were planning on doing tonight. Why is it that in every culture, men’s first response to a female threat was abuse? I suppressed my sudden anger and shivered. It was a good thing we’d left the house when we did. I didn’t want Raif to feel it necessary to defend me against his people.

  “They are saying things no woman should ever have to hear. Things I am appalled to have heard. Even if you were not my amada, I would still be taking you away from here happily. We must hurry. Once they realize we’ve left, they’ll alert others. It’s only a matter of time until someone realizes where we’ve gone.” He tightened his grip on my hand, propelling me out of the forest. I thought he was ignoring the other part of my question, but after we’d put some distance between us and them, he glanced down at me.

  “There is a natural translation that occurs when people visit Atlantis. It is part of the magic of the island. It happened when we were on the surface as well. When we had visitors, they would speak and hear things in their native tongue that would be automatically translated into ours for us and vice versa. It was very helpful for trading purposes to not have to learn all the foreign tongues. You do not understand certain things because I block the translation. I block it so you do not have to hear the things that those scumbags just said, but also so that you can understand some of my endearments in my native tongue.”

  “You don’t have to protect me from what people say. I’ve probably heard worse said directly to me. Things aren’t the same where I come from as they are here. Where I come from, women aren’t treated delicately. We’re treated just like men, sometimes worse. The era of gentlemanly behavior is long gone, requiring us to learn to defend ourselves. I’ve been alone for so long, I know how to defend my honor, if necessary. I know you may not believe me, as I gave in so willingly to you, but by now you should know our relationship is different and I wouldn’t give of myself if I didn’t want to. I’m flattered by your gallantry, but it’s unnecessary.” He frowned.

  “That is one of the many things that I have concerns about with your culture. Women need to be protected and cherished. You are the giver of life and should never have to take life away. Men should do the things that are necessary to protect your delicate sensibilities. I have no doubts of your abilities, but you should not have this need. It pains me that I will not be able to protect you when you leave.”

  I actually felt his pain. It shot through my heart like a knife. It was very strange; feeling what someone else was feeling. I had enough problems keeping my own emotions under control; now having to add his into the mix was going to be a challenge. I held his hand tighter and knew that I’d distracted him enough with our conversation that he wouldn’t worry so much about the repercussions from the men headed toward his home.

  “Where are we going, again?” I whispered.

  “There is a hidden bridge Poseidon built connecting Cleito’s palace with Melic. Very few know of it as it’s in an area even fewer venture to, and is older than many who live here. I found it by accident a few centuries ago, although I think perhaps it was less accident and more the will of Poseidon that guided me toward it. We’ll have to be quiet until we get deeper into the mountains of Melic. I’m not sure if others will be out tonight.” I nodded, squeezing his hand and trying not to be nervous.

  I again felt Raif tense beside me as we approached the land bridge connecting us to Melic. He’d explained earlier that this would be one of our most vulnerable moments, as we were completely exposed and unable to hide. We’d have to cross as if we were not up to any mischief and hope we wouldn’t run into anyone else. I felt his trepidation as we started walking. We were lucky that it was extremely dark here at night. It was so dark I couldn’t see two feet in front of my face. His hand gripping mine was a lifesaver. The only way that we were going to be seen by anyone was if they walked directly into us. I forced myself to relax and sent the feeling of relaxed encouragement to Raif, or so I hoped.

  Apparently, the gods were with us tonight, as we didn’t encounter anyone else. Raif visibly relaxed once we were on Melic. Veering off the old path onto a small deer trail, we made our way into the mountains where Poseidon’s hidden bridge was.

  I’d thought the night was dark before, but the farther we traveled into the inky blackness of the forest, the darker it became. It was filled with sounds of night animals out hunting and I was profoundly grateful for the strength of the man walking next to me. As brave as I tried to be, I still appreciated having his hand to hold. I looked at our intertwined hands, but couldn’t even see them in the dark. I had no idea how he could see where he was going in the pitch black of the forest around us. When I asked, he just grunted and kept on walking.

  “Is that just another magical trait of Atlanteans? You all have night vision? Michael told me about the gifts, so if you won’t tell me if this is your talent, just tell me if anyone else can do this. I personally can’t see a thing and am a bit freaked out by it.” My unease released itself in its natural form of bitchy irritation. He slowed next to me and seemed to be gathering his thoughts. When he spoke, his voice was gravelly and rough like he’d been chewing rocks.

  “It is the talent of my clan, though there are others who have the capabilities. It is difficult for me to speak while I am like this, but I will explain when we stop for food. We must hurry.” I felt a sense of urgency, hiding a pang of regret from him so I muttered my thanks and continued on in silence.

  We remained a quiet pair until we reached the foot of the mountains. The forest covered about a third of the mountain terrain, and we were going half that distance tonight. I had looked for the mountains when Raif was explaining our journey earlier, and was fooled into thinking that they weren’t very ominous. They were steeper than they appeared from far of
f, and I was having difficulty, especially since I couldn’t see a thing. It really irked me to struggle so much, but I never was much of a hiker. I had to cling to Raif’s arm because I couldn’t see, and was constantly tripping over things. I was beginning to think that it had been a mistake to attempt to navigate the mountain in the dark. With how thick the woods were and how remote the area was that we were in, no one would’ve seen us. I was beyond annoyed, and struggling for breath just to take another step.

  He finally brought us to a stop, picked me up, and placed me on a boulder. My breath came in quick gasps and he was barely breathing hard at all. I felt out of shape and silly, so of course I bristled. I heard him walk away and I had to calm the panic that threatened to set in. I was alone in a strange place, ridiculously out of shape, and couldn’t see a damn thing. I knew he wouldn’t leave me, but the fear that had been barely restrained threatened to surface. Thankfully, he returned moments later with firewood. I heard a few whispered, guttural words and the logs lit.

  It was peaceful sitting next to the small fire with Raif. We didn’t need it for the warmth, but I had a feeling he was placating my need to see my surroundings. The noises of the forest had picked up around our small makeshift camp, and it was comforting to be able to see the space around us.

  “I thought we couldn’t stop until we reached the base of Cleito’s castle? I can keep going,” I said between gasps for breath. I didn’t want to appear as out of shape as I felt. I’d almost finished my second canteen and forced myself to stop, knowing that we still had quite a ways to go. I couldn’t even think about what all the liquid was going to do to my bladder.

  “I know. I am hungry. I’ve also been debating with myself about something that I probably should have mentioned earlier. We will not make it to the base of Cleito’s mountain at this pace.” He brought his hand up at my objections. “It is not you, amada. I cannot make it to the base of her mountain like this and was not planning on it. I was waiting for the right moment to talk to you about this, but have been unsure of how to tell you. You mentioned that Michael shared his gift?” He looked surprisingly uncomfortable talking to me. I could feel how nervous he was, it was making the water I’d chugged sit uncomfortably in my stomach. I just nodded in confirmation, hoping he’d relax. “Well, at least this will not come as a complete surprise,” he muttered almost to himself. “The only way for us to make it to the base of her mountain tonight is if I change and carry you.”

  “So, change. It’s not as if I haven’t seen you naked already. If it makes you feel better I’ll turn my head.” I was a tad insulted that he didn’t want me to see him naked, but more confused as to why he was so upset about needing to wear something different. I still didn’t see how this was a gift of his clan. Maybe he had magic clothing that he was going to put on. I snickered to myself at the thought of him wearing little sneakers with wings.

  “I cannot explain further. It is draining to continue walking in my half state and even I cannot change too often or I will drain myself to the point of exhaustion. I will show you, but after we eat. I will be hungry after and refuse to hunt with you.” He handed me some fruit and dried meat.

  I was still lost, but entertained myself with the images of him flying about with winged shoes while we ate. He barely looked at me, but when he did, he looked almost as confused as I was. I guess my amusement at the situation appeared strange to him. Well, if he wasn’t going to enlighten me on what he was hiding, I sure as hell wasn’t going to share the nonsense pinging around my skull.

  “Are you ready?” he asked when he was finished and had his pack secured loosely on his back.

  “Yep, I just have to put my pack on. I really am capable of walking on my own, you know. I can try to go faster.” He gathered me in his arms, searing me with a kiss.

  “I know, amada, but it is not necessary. Even if we ran full out, we would not make it like we are. Please, trust me.” His voice quavered. I kissed him and he gave me a very nervous smile. I had just a moment to wonder what would make him so afraid, when he started changing.

  He was still holding me as it started and I could feel his muscles spasm. He fell to the ground, releasing me, and I heard the unmistakable sound of bones snapping. His skin rippled in the firelight. A slight whimper escaped, the only sign that it was more painful than he was letting on. It looked agonizing, but fascinating at the same time.

  There was a moment where his body appeared to be just a mess of innards. I caught glimpses of bone, hair, and fur and I had a hard time making sense of what I was seeing. His helpless groan turned into a growl as his head reformed. Black fur sprouted over his entire body. It was over with quickly, faster than the old monster movies made it seem. He took a minute to breathe and to adjust to his new form before opening his eyes.

  I found myself gazing into the teal eyes of my mate in the shape of a black leopard. I could still feel his worry that I wouldn’t accept him, or that I’d now fear him, but he was so beautiful. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real. He crouched down so I could climb up, keeping his posture low and as non-threatening as a leopard could, watching me warily. I didn’t climb up straight away, instead leaning down to his level so I could pet the soft fur on top of his nose.

  “So beautiful,” I whispered, and he grunted in surprise. I walked around him, touching him and studying his muscular frame. I kneeled down taking his massive head in my hands and rubbed his ears. His eyes shuttered and he started to purr when I found a sweet spot right behind his ears.

  “You silly man. You could’ve just told me about this. I don’t think I’d have believed it until I saw it, but you could’ve told me. I hope there isn’t anything else you’ve left out, or I’m going to have to kick your cute kitty butt.” I smiled and tapped him on the nose. I stood and moved to put out the fire but stopped at his cough. “I’m just putting the fire out so we don’t burn down the forest. I’ll be right back.” He shook his large black head no, so I shrugged, turned around, and climbed onto his back.

  His pack was still around his strong shoulders, although more snug than before. There was room behind the pack for me to sit and cling to it.

  Riding a leopard was right up there with one of the strangest things I’d ever done. I was deliriously happy to be riding on the back of a giant cat, and we took a few minutes to walk around the clearing to get our movements in synch. I had to get used to riding a leopard, and he was trying to adjust his movements with me attached to his back. I had a feeling that he’d never done this before. The third time we circled the fire I ended up on my backside in the dirt.

  He tried projecting movements to me as feelings. When I finally picked up on that, I was able to adjust my body according to what he needed. We played in the clearing, while learning to ride together. He swatted at the leaves, leapt over the fire, and did figure eights to make certain that we were at ease with the various movements he’d perform.

  When he finally felt comfortable with carrying me upon his back, he crouched up to the fire. I found my body mimicking his, crouching closer to his pack. He let out a kitty snort and I knew he was laughing at me. I smiled as he rounded the fire, and with his back paws, buried it.

  I let out a snort of my own at the feel of his back paws scraping the dirt, followed by a squeal of excitement as he tore off into the woods. I held onto the pack for dear life, realizing now what he meant by us needing to travel faster. There was no way anyone could compete with this speed.

  I felt trees and bushes scrape against my legs as he sped through the woods. I tried to keep my body plastered against his without squeezing his sides as he leapt over boulders, bounded over streams, and dodged plants and other animals. He didn’t appear bothered in the slightest by the extra weight he was carrying on his back. He trusted me to follow his movements and I trusted him not to let me fall. As long as I didn’t think about what was happening, we worked very well together.

  He ran for what felt like hours, leaping across obstacles, dodging the ones
he couldn’t. I was just beginning to feel as though I couldn’t hold on much longer when he began to slow down. The sky was just turning pink and I could finally see where we were. I was surprised to see that the forest had given way to a rocky terrain.

  Raif’s tongue flopped out of his mouth in a pant and he started walking. I slid off his back and started to search for another canteen in my pack. He let out a snort and growled at me in frustration, bumping his head against my butt, trying, I could only assume, to get me to continue on.

  “Oh, stop it. You need to drink something and I need a break. We’re almost there anyway, aren’t we?” I opened my pack looking for the small pot he’d packed to cook with. He sat back on his haunches staring at me. I glanced up with my ‘aha!’ frozen on my lips and had to laugh. In front of me sat an enormous black leopard that was sitting patiently with a backpack on and his tongue hanging out, panting. His tail flicked as I poured water in the dish and gave it to him before the laughter got too bad.

  I pulled out my camera as he drank and took his picture. He looked up at the flash and I took another one. He was beautiful. He tilted his head to the side in a puzzled expression. I’d forgotten to tell him about the camera. I thought about explaining it to him now, but simply shrugged—it was difficult to give explanations to a cat.

  We walked side-by-side for another hour until we arrived at the bridge. I was expecting another large land bridge but instead found myself walking up to a rope bridge connecting our mountain to the next above a very deep gorge. I could see the water below, but it was just a small river from this altitude.