Memory Hunted

by Christopher Kincaid

  "We don’t have a choice, but the memories will always hunt us." She rubbed Timothy’s back.

  Evelyn’s face hovered in the back of Timothy’s mind. Kit is right. Time forces us forward, and memory hunts us. He looked at Kit. She grinned a fang at him and punched his arm. She knows that hunt well.

  Yuzu nodded. "I think I understand why you want to visit your home." She smacked her cheeks with both hands. "No more of this sad stuff. So how can you tell which kind of man is which, Sis?"

  Kit snatched Timothy’s chin and turned his head to the girl perched on the wagon. He stumbled over something in the snow.

  "Will you—" Timothy said.

  "Do you see his trusting, innocent eyes? Eyes that haven’t seen the wiles of a female," Kit said. "Notice the bewildered, irritated expression and how he doesn’t try to fight me?"

  "As if it would do any good," Timothy said. He stumbled over another rock. "Now let go."

  Kit released him and patted his head.

  "Oh." Yuzu nodded. "I see now."

  "But even this male will get used to our tricks. It just means you have to be creative." Kit tapped his hot cheek with the back of her hand.

  Timothy sighed and tuned them out. It was better when Kit and I weren’t talking. Only he had missed her antics. Yuzu insisted on learning Kit’s bad habits for some reason. For all her initial hesitation, Kit seemed to enjoy having an adopted sister. What happened to women being demure? But then, Timothy would not want Kit to be anything other than Kit.

  Timothy shook his head and grinned despite himself. It was hard to tell Yuzu was even a girl with how thin she was. She lacked Kit’s way of walking. He slowed his steps to let the girls talk. Timothy swallowed. Kit does have a nice walk. No one could mistake her gender. He could imagine her tail swaying beneath her cloak and skirts. How will Yuzu react when she discovers her adopted sister is a fox? Will that change their relationship? Most people believed the Church’s teachings that foxes were demons, and Kit could certainly act like a demon some days.

  Timothy frowned at the thought. Now that isn’t fair. If I spent my life being hunted, I’d push people away too. He often thought he was the first person Kit truly trusted. He looked past the women and locked his gaze on Daeric’s back. The real problem is if he finds out Kit is a fox.

  Daeric suddenly turned his horse around. "I am going to ride back. We seem to be safely behind the soldiers, but we need to be sure no one is following us as we are them. We can’t trust anyone in these parts."

  "We are being followed?" Yuzu shifted in the wagon to look.

  "No need to worry. It is merely caution. I will keep you safe." Daeric bowed in his saddle. "I will not be too far. I will hear your lovely voices should there be any danger. I would hear your lips across the oceans and ride on the water should you need me."

  "Yes, well, we will be fine," Kit said. "My husband is protection enough."

  Daeric weighed Timothy. "I will be at your side, Sunflower. Just breathe my name," he said. "Keep straight on this road until I get back. I need to see which forks we may need to take." The man rode off.

  "I really dislike that man," Timothy muttered.

  "I think you intimidate him, Timmy." Kit wrinkled her nose. "He smells feral."

  "Feral?" Timothy studied trees that looked identical to the ones they passed an hour before. With the way the road curved, he felt like they were traveling in a circle.

  "The word just came to me." Kit closed her cloak against the wind.

  "We would be better off without him."

  "Oh, I don’t know. He does keep you on your toes. Now if only I could figure out why he smells so odd." She chewed on her lower lip. "He reminds me a little of this one man I knew. Daeric isn’t as bad as Trent was, at least. But he does smell feral. Much like a hound."

  "I don’t know about how men smell. Why should that matter?" Yuzu asked.

  Timothy felt irritation rise. "And how do you know how to read men so well, Kit?" His voice held an edge.

  Kit’s eyebrows disappeared into her red bangs. She stumbled over a rock. "Now where is this coming from, Timothy?" she asked. "I know about all types of idiot, and I do not like what you are getting at."

  Timothy took a breath. "Sorry. I get irritable when I am tired, and that man just—"

  Kit’s gaze held a dangerous gleam. "You peeked with Trent, but now you’ve opened the box, shepherd. Do you really want to know how well I’ve known men?"

  Timothy’s heart dropped into his stomach. Yuzu leaned closer. The mule huffed and plodded.

  Kit’s smile sliced. "My, this does bother you. Don’t ask what you can’t handle."

  His heart boiled in a stomach sloshing with jealousy.

  "I can count on one hand if you absolutely must know," Kit said.

  Timothy tripped.

  "Sister!" Yuzu held a hand over her mouth.

  Kit held up a closed hand. "You want to know, woolbrained bookbug?"

  The world lurched around Timothy. Would it really change anything?

  Yes. It would change how he viewed Kit.

  Kit laid a hand on his knotted shoulder. "Look at my hand," she whispered.

  Slowly, painfully, Timothy looked at Kit’s fist.

  What did he expect? One finger? Five? Would it be so wrong if it was five? Timothy swayed. Kit would still be Kit, right? Yes and no.

  The fist stayed closed.

  "I told you before, idiot. Only you have seen all of me," Kit whispered.

  "I can’t hear what you are saying," Yuzu said.

  "How many for you, dear sister, besides your Allen?" Kit’s tone dripped sweet poison.

  "Allen and I never…I…um…" Yuzu looked away.

  Timothy felt dizzy. His shoulder muscles writhed. "Why did you do that to me?" His voice sounded weak.

  "Why did you have to suddenly turn into a brainless idiot? Well, I wanted you to be jealous. I can’t have an unfeeling rock for a husband, but if jealousy makes you lose all sense, I’d best keep it to a minimum. Besides, would it make that much of a difference?" Kit asked.

  Timothy’s heart still drummed. "Yes," he said without thinking.

  Kit opened her mouth and closed it again. Her brow furrowed as she chewed on her bottom lip. Her hand slipped from his shoulder.

  "I…well…" Kit said. "I guess it isn’t a problem then."

  Timothy groaned inside. Kit’s right. I am an idiot. But it would have made a difference. Why? Kit would still be Kit. Maybe it is because I haven’t—

  "What about you, Timmy?" Kit watched him from under her bangs.

  Should I be nice? "Well, one day Kyle introduced me to this one girl…"

  Kit crossed her arms as she walked.

  "Esther. That was her name. She was a cute girl."

  Kit frowned at him. "You are not convincing me."

  "Are you so sure?"

  "As a matter of fact, I am." She grabbed his arm and pressed it into her chest. "Your blushes give you away."

  Yuzu laughed.

  "Fine. You got me, but you would look at me differently if it was true, wouldn’t you?"

  Kit tilted her head. "Look at you like this?" She tilted her head the other way. "Or like this?" She squeezed his arm. "Men are supposed to be experienced."

  "Nice of you to remind me."

  "Oh, it isn’t a bad thing at all. It makes you a rare treasure." Kit smiled, and Timothy cleared his throat.

  "I don’t know," Yuzu said. "I’d rather have someone who knows what he is doing." She blushed.

  The tangled branches suddenly opened to reveal a mountain. They were close enough that he could see deep fissures cutting across the rough stone. White mist hid the peak. Yuzu tugged the mule to a stop. Timothy and Kit paused to gaze at the crags.

  "That is where we are going?" Yuzu’s voice quivered. "It looks…really high."

  "You could always turn back," Kit said.

  Yuzu craned her neck. "And go where? I…I don’t want to be alone anymore."

&nbs
p; "Kit’s home is someplace in these woods, near the base of the mountain," Timothy said. "Where it is anyone’s guess. Least of all hers. Unless you remember something, Kit."

  Kit shook her head.

  He didn’t blame her. The forest around them looked much the same as when they first entered. There wasn’t any sort of landmark that could trigger a memory. There were only the pines packed tight around an old road and darkness. Timothy could understand how people believed the forest was haunted. The darkness and the stories of the foxes that carved a home in it were enough to convince the Church to act. And yet, the paving stones that peeked from the snow blanketing the ground suggested a prosperous past not that long ago. The footprints from the soldiers who had passed the night before suggested that past prosperity would remain in the past. The Church still remembered and watched.

  "Kit, do you think the Church is here because someone is still around?" Timothy paused as an idea struck him. "This would be an ideal place for the Protestants to hide. What better place than a place where foxes—I mean out here."

  Kit glanced at him. "Protestants? Who are they?"

  "They are people who resist the Church," Timothy said. "They have some disagreements with the Church’s teachings."

  "I do too," Kit said.

  Yuzu laid a hand on the side of the mule. "We had a few in Honheim. The priest and city guard didn’t take to them preaching in the streets. I didn’t see the fighting, but I heard they killed the priest that confronted them."

  "They were violent?" Timothy asked. "That is the first I’ve heard."

  Yuzu nodded. "I heard about fighting in other cities too."

  Kit chewed on her bottom lip while she listened. "Do they hunt foxes?"

  Yuzu frowned. "Why would they? Foxes are long gone."

  "I think they are too busy to worry about foxes, one way or the other." Timothy brushed snowflakes from his cheek.

  "I guess we will find out. This road has to lead somewhere." Kit started walking. Yuzu shook the reins at the mule. He huffed and regarded her with a dark eye before tugging the wagon into motion.

  They traveled for a time before the forest suddenly ended. A wide swath of pasture opened to a gray sky. After spending so much time among the trees, the familiar sight of open fields made Timothy smile. If only it was grass instead of snow. Just a few sheep grazing would complete the picture. A low stone wall lined the field. A rough homestead squatted against the wall opposite of where Timothy stood. The road ran a few yard away from the entrance. The cabin looked welcoming after his long trudge through falling snow.

  "It is too quiet," Yuzu said. "It looks like no one is home."

  Yuzu is right. It is too still. No smoke drifted from the chimney. Snow had drifted against the entrance.

  Kit crossed into the field, her gaze locked on the cabin.

  Timothy followed. "Do you hear something?"

  Kit shook her head. Behind them, the creaking of the wagon broke the silence.

  "Do you remember something?" Timothy asked.

  As they neared, Timothy realized the cabin had deceived him. It was little more than a shell. The logs were black from fire, and most of the roof was missing. Through the remnants of the window he could see the entire back half of the structure was open to the elements. He stopped just outside the entrance. Kit ignored him and strode through the snow-drifted entrance. She paused in the center of the room and stared at the darkened fireplace.

  "I don’t like this, Sis," Yuzu said from her perch on the wagon. "It reminds me to much of Honheim."

  "Was this your house, Kit?" Timothy asked.

  She stood still for several moments before shaking her head. "No. At least, I don’t think so." She shrugged. "Honestly, I don’t know what to expect. I’m hoping something will trigger a memory I guess."

  "Seems like a long journey just on the off chance to trigger a memory though," Yuzu said. "But then, I remember the time I walked down Baker’s Street and smelled Donbury’s special sweet bread. Are you looking for something like that?"

  Kit nodded. "I don’t remember much of my childhood." She looked up at the shattered ceiling. "I had hoped something might help me get in touch with it." She looked at Timothy and smiled. "I’ve dragged Timothy all this way on a slim hope at best."

  "I promised to come with you, remember," Timothy said.

  "You did. Although I never asked you why."

  Timothy grinned. "You’re cute." Honestly, I am still not sure why, but there’s no point thinking about it now.

  "As her husband you had better think she is cute." Yuzu’s giggle ruined her effort to sound stern.

  Kit raised a finger. "Don’t think I am going to fall over you out of gratitude. You’ve been nothing but a pain. A useful pain, but still a pain."

  Timothy shrugged. "Showing me a little gratitude would be nice."

  "I haven’t hurt you yet, have I? And I won’t show you to type of gratitude you are looking for. Especially after your accusation just a few moments ago." Kit brushed past him. "But I am grateful. Let’s get going."

  Only about one hundred yards separated the house from the evergreen darkness. Timothy glanced back at the pasture as the woods engulfed them once more."Do you want to go back to being a shepherd?" Kit asked.

  "Maybe. I miss the open space." He inhaled the scent of the woods. "But it isn’t that bad out here."

  "The woods scare me," Yuzu said. "Anything could be out there." She looked into the dense canopy. "Or up there watching us. When do you think Daeric will return?"

  "There you are, Timmy. You have one helpless girl to defend. I will be sure to defend you, of course." Kit’s chuckle sounded forced. She leaned close to his ear. "I feel like someone is watching us since we passed that big tree back there." She nodded at a large oak well behind them. "The fur on my tail is standing up."

  "Could it be just Daeric?"

  Kit shook her head. "It’s not him. It could be the reason why he hasn’t returned yet."

  "You’re right. He normally isn’t gone this long. I hadn’t been paying attention."

  "Obviously. Don’t look around. If there is someone there, we don’t want to let them know we know about them. Act natural."

  "Thanks. I am glad someone is watching my back." Timothy’s voice carried.

  "Nice way to act natural, Timmy," Kit whispered.

  "It is hard when you know something is going to happen. Do you have any plans?"

  She shook her head. "I…don’t know. I’ve never smelled or felt anything like this. Daeric has always smelled strange, and this is stronger."

  Timothy felt sweat run down his back. "You are not helping my worry any."

  "What are you two whispering about?" Yuzu asked.

  "Yes, what are you whispering about?" a deep voice asked.

  Two brown-clad men dropped from the branches overhead. One more appeared from the woods behind them. Each wore a green bandana over his wild hair. Matching scarves hid everything but their eyes.

  "Pretty mice, Jan. And look at all their supplies." one of the men in front said. He twirled his stoat boar spear and planted it into the ground.

  Kit growled, pulled her knife, and pushed Timothy against the wagon wheel. Yuzu turned and rummaged in the wagon with one hand.

  "Look at her hair," the other man said.

  "The black looks good too, Krill."

  "Stay on task, boys," the third man said. He sounded older. "We have our mission."

  "I’m not some soldier who follows orders, Gert." The man called Krill straightened. The spear blurred in his hands and stopped on his shoulder. "It looks like we have some spunky ones here."

  Yuzu stood on the wagon with a thick oak branch held in both hands. Kit pressed Timothy against the wheel. She held her knife protectively in front of her.

  Jan and Krill strolled toward them, seemingly unconcerned. The third man, Gert, leaned on his spear and watched.

  I won’t be helpless. Not again. "Kit, I can—"

  "Hush," Kit s
aid. "They cannot have you."

  Krill sauntered, wearing a grin. He casually jabbed at Yuzu with the butt of his boar spear. Yuzu slipped around the thrust, twisted, and swung her club.

  Crack!

  The man bellowed and staggered backward. He shook his hand, his grin gone. Their casualness troubled Timothy. Either they underestimated the girls, or they were that capable. Timothy’s heart thumped as he watched the man called Jan. He stalked with dangerous grace, spear held ready. They are capable, Timothy thought. Kit continued to press against him. The mule rolled its eyes and stamped.

  "Kit—"

  She growled deep in her throat.

  Krill advanced on Yuzu again. He stabbed at her with the tip of his spear. She jumped from the seat of the wagon, rolled, and swept Krill’s feet from under him.

  Jan circled around Kit, wary. "I am not the idiot Krill is, girl."

  Kit crouched. "Stay behind me, Timothy."

  Krill leapt to his feet, his eyes dangerous. Yuzu gripped her bludgeon with two hands, fear smeared on her face.

  The third man skirted the wagon. He clenched a worn pipe in his teeth. He thrust a hand in front of Krill.

  "Get out of the way, Gert," Krill said.

  "We didn’t come to kill anyone," Gert said.

  Yuzu glanced at Timothy, her eyes wide.

  Jan feinted with the butt of his spear. The movement pulled Timothy’s gaze away from Yuzu. Kit shifted but didn’t take the bait.

  Yuzu yelled, pulling Timothy’s gaze back. Yuzu lay on the trampled snow with Gert calmly tying her wrists. A blue-gray smoke ring rose from his pipe. Krill stood a short distance away, grimacing.

  Frustration welled in Timothy. He needed to do something.

  "She’s mine, Gert," Krill said.

  "You know how this works. We can’t have your hot head going against our orders," Gert said.

  "You old guys and your orders. Why should I care?"

  "You can go at any time. I’m sure you can get along on the outside."

  Krill grimaced. "I’ll stay."

  "I won’t say anything to the first commander then."

  Kit’s sudden attack knocked Timothy to the ground. She darted around Jan’s surprised jab. The man’s curse changed into a grunt as Kit’s blade slashed down and bit into the man’s thigh. She danced back. Crimson stained the first half of her blade. Timothy struggled to his feet.