by Janet Durbin
Drayco went toward the horses to check on them. The three newcomers had calmed down. Jack, on the other hand, went stiff legged and snorted a warning.
"Drayco ... wait! Don't go near Jack. He'll hurt you if you do."
Drayco stopped at the entrance to the other room. “I need to check the horses and make sure they weren't hurt during their scare."
"Let me get them out for you. Jack will not let a man near him without trying to kick the crap out of him.” She slipped past and grabbed the hanging reins.
"Great ... a sexist horse,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
Shyanne led the three horses into the main area. Jack stayed where he was. He wanted no part of the strange man standing so close to his rider. The twins removed the saddles and blankets from each animal and went over their bodies, inch by inch, making sure they were okay. They were sweaty from their scare; otherwise, they were unhurt. Some dry grass gathered from outside was rubbed against their wet coats to reduce the moisture.
"How are you doing over there? How's your eye?” Shyanne asked. “It looks better."
"It'll be okay. The blood makes everything heal faster."
One of the horses, a big bay with a black mane and tail ridden by Brom, seemed less skittish than the others. While Drayco worked on the coat, it kept nosing at his shirt, trying to find a treat hidden in the fabric. With an affectionate smack on the neck, the dark man decided to make the animal his.
Drizzle came in from outside and sprawled near the door. Two of the animals became restless and jerked at their reins. The bay remained still, looking over his shoulder with his ears pointed toward the cat, watching his every move. Drayco's decision to keep the animal was finalized.
"Shyanne, I'm going to let these two go and keep the bay. They're too skittish around Drizzle to be of any use to us.” Stepping between the two excited horses, he warned, “Step back, I'm going to remove their bridles. Drizzle, you'd better move too."
After his sister was out of the way, Drayco pulled the bridle off both horses at once. Drizzle scrambled from the doorway before the two horses trampled him in their haste to get outside. The sound of pounding hoofs faded as they galloped off. The bay stood his ground, watching Drizzle as he moved around the room. Drayco whispered softly in his ear and gave the horse another pat on the neck.
"You're a brave one, aren't you? I will call you Bravaro."
He untied the reins and led the bay toward the back room where he removed the bridle, and with a swat on the rump, put Bravaro in with Jack. The horse jumped at the touch. He turned on a dime to watch both him and the cat equally. Jack did the same, though only for him. Drayco remembered Shyanne's warning and stayed out of the area. His sister stood by the outside exit when he faced toward the main room again.
"We need to get more wood before dark. There isn't enough to last the night."
The twins went to the edge of the forest and picked up as much wood as they could find. After it was stacked in the corner, Shyanne rekindled the fire. Drayco sat down on a blanket and watched her while she worked.
"How are you doing? I heard about the run in you had with those two. Were you hurt?” he asked.
She chuckled. “No. I think they got the worst end of the deal.” Her smile faded. “Your color looks better."
"Blood will do that to you.” He wrapped his arms around his legs and drew them against his chest, withdrawing into himself.
She paused to look at her brother. “I missed you, Drayco.” She wanted to hug him, but was afraid. She didn't want the awful dream to become a reality.
He looked up at her, and said, “I missed you too, little sis."
The look of sincerity and pain in his eyes melted her fear. She went to him, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tight. He buried his face in her shoulder, holding her just as tight. Tears ran down Shyanne's face by the time they separated. It felt good to have him back after so long.
Wiping the moisture off her checks, she said, “We need to get this fire going better. Nasty creatures roam around these woods at night.” Without thought, she rubbed her left shoulder as she spoke. Drayco saw the gesture. He remained silent.
Soon afterwards, the wonderful aroma of stew, filled with tubers, rice, cheese, and trail bread thrown in for good measure, saturated the small area.
Drayco practically drooled when he saw the heaping mound of food handed to him. It had been a long time since he'd tasted Shyanne's cooking. He looked forward to doing it again. Mouthful after mouthful was savored until nothing remained on the plate.
Placing the dish on the ground beside him, Drayco said, “After a meal fit for a king, dessert is in order.” He retrieved his pack and pulled out two of the canned peaches. He threw one to his sister.
She read the worn label, and exclaimed, “Peaches! I can't remember the last time I ate some of these. Where did you get them?"
"I found them in one of the big cities."
"You were in a big city? You were brave—or maybe a little stupid. The virus turned them into havens for mutations and people who'd kill you rather than put up with you."
"If you remember, Shyanne, we're mutations too."
Shyanne looked down at the open can of peaches. “We could never be as bad as those people."
"Not all the people in the cities are bad.” He remembered the vision of a smiling little girl with strawberry-blonde hair holding a can of peaches.
Lounging near the fire listening to their conversation, Drizzle remembered the time when Drayco had lost control and almost killed his sister. He knew if it happened again, he would not hesitate to kill the dark twin. No matter what Shyanne thought.
"Let's get some sleep. We have a long ride to this town called Grandfield,” Drayco said.
"I'm going to hunt tonight.” Drizzle started toward the door leading outside. “I'll be back before dawn."
"Be careful,” Shyanne said.
"I will.” He slipped into the darkness that had settled while the twins were eating.
Shyanne wrapped a blanket around her body and rolled over onto her side, using her arm as a pillow. She wanted to catch up with her brother and find out what had happened to him since he'd left. Instead, she fell asleep after only a few minutes of lying still.
Although most of his strength had returned after drinking the blood, sleep eluded him. Drayco crawled quietly out from under the blanket and went outside.
A large tree with thick branches stood at the edge of the clearing. He sat down under its canopy, resting his back against the hard base. With his arms draped over his bent knees, he looked over the surrounding area. A noise in the forest behind him caught his attention. He wasn't concerned; he knew what caused it.
"I won't hurt her, Drizzle."
The cat materialized out of the darkness. “Don't worry, I'll be watching. I still remember what happened a long time ago. One wrong move out of you and you'll never have to worry about doing it again."
Drayco heard every word. He kept his facial expression blank, choosing not to respond.
Drizzle watched closely for his reaction to the harsh words. When none came, he said, “I know you and Shyanne have the gift of long life. But you are not immortal. I can kill you."
"Is it a gift ... or a curse?"
"You decide."
The cat melted back into the woods, leaving Drayco to ponder the question. He bowed his head and sighed. The dark twin longed for an end to the suffering given to him by the virus. Yet, he knew it would not come. He had finally found his family, and the desire to stay with her was stronger than any longing for an end.
He sat under the tree for another hour before returning to the building. Shyanne's position had not changed during that time. He stretched out on the blanket he'd vacated earlier. After what felt like an eternity, he fell into a troubled sleep; a sleep filled with dreams of the unknown Boss, and of losing control and killing Shyanne.
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Chapter Eight
Several days after leaving the campsite, Shyanne still did not know much about what had happened to her brother since he'd vanished so long ago. He was quiet and solemn, and when she tried to get him to discuss it, he stared ahead without answering.
It was mid-morning when they decided to stop and eat. After they dismounted, the horses moved into a field next to the road to graze. Drizzle was forced to stay away from the temporary camp. The horse Drayco had acquired still tensed when he came too close. He was getting better, though, and given time, she knew Bravaro would not even notice the cat.
No fire was needed for the meal break, for it was to be a short stop only. They wanted to get as far as they could on their quest for the town called Grandfield before having to stop for the night. Shyanne pulled out some jerky and walked over to Drayco. He was sitting under a tree, his back against the trunk. His eyes were closed as if he was deep in thought; a line of sweat covered his brow.
"Here's some jerky.” She held out the meat.
He opened his eyes and focused them on the offering; a haunted look filled them. “I have to drink again ... soon. After what I've had to endure recently, the blood from the men helped, but it's not going to last much longer."
A chill ran up Shyanne's spine, making the hairs on the nape of her neck stand straight. She tried not to show it, and knew she failed. “Would it help if I had Drizzle bring you something?"
"Yes. However, it has to be alive. I can't drink from something that is dead.” He closed his eyes again and tried not to think about what he had witnessed from his sister.
Shyanne put two of her fingers in her mouth and let out with a high-pitched whistle. Drizzle appeared, seeming to melt out of the countryside.
"Is everything okay?” he asked, looking in Drayco's direction.
"Drizzle, can you go hunting for Drayco? He needs to drink again and could use your help."
The cat never took his eyes off the dark twin. “If it will help him to stay in control, I'll do it. For that reason alone. I am not a nursemaid for his every whim."
"One thing,” Shyanne added as he turned to leave. “The creature you bring back has to be alive. You can't kill it."
He stopped and stared at her. To his credit, he didn't say anything. Drayco kept his eyes closed and listened to the conversation. He knew better than to speak right now.
Drizzle grumbled to himself as he disappeared, bits of his words overheard by the twins. “Helpless ... nothing ... but ... not a nursemaid ... get you something ... get it back when you're done..."
"I don't think he likes you anymore, Drayco,” Shyanne chuckled. She sat next to him in the shade under the tree.
"It's not that. He remembers the reason I had to leave in the first place."
"That was a long time ago. You're in better control of yourself now, right?"
"So far, little sis. So far.” Drayco took the jerky from her hand and stared at it, unable to meet her eyes.
They ate in silence while waiting for Drizzle's return. Shyanne finally broke it.
"Drayco, why do you think this Boss wants me?"
"I don't know. I do know that we'll find out once we locate him.” He was glad to have an excuse to set the jerky aside.
"I wonder if there are other people out there hunting for me, or if those two were the only ones."
"We'll worry about that when the time comes.” He thumped her on the nose like he used to do, bringing a smile to her face.
A noise from behind caused them to glance over their shoulders. Drizzle was returning with something big hanging from his mouth. He dragged it awkwardly on the ground between his legs. It was a deer. The cat had somehow stunned it and managed to bring it back before it recovered. He brought the deer to Drayco and dropped it at his feet.
"I did what was asked. I kept it alive."
"Thanks, Drizzle. I'm sorry you had to do this."
"I'll do what I have to if it will keep you under control."
The twin nodded his head in understanding. He picked up the deer and threw it over his shoulder. A small stand of trees stood a short distance away. He disappeared around them to do what he needed to survive.
Shyanne realized she had been holding her breath during the exchange and let it out slowly through pursed lips. “I wish you didn't have to live this way,” she whispered softly.
Many men had died over the years because of her sword. None of their deaths had affected her like this. Drizzle seemed to sense her discomfort. He relaxed his head in her lap, purring in his soothing way. Shyanne scratched him affectionately behind his ears. Staring off along the horizon, she tried to think of better times, times before the virus had ruined everything.
Her brother emerged after what seemed like hours, wiping at the corner of his mouth. The deer was not with him. The virus had made it possible for him to rejuvenate himself with any living creature's blood, regardless of what type ran through its body.
Shyanne put a hand to her neck when her brother appeared; the recent events were still vivid in her mind.
Drayco grimaced inside. Things had changed between them. Love was still very much evident. Unfortunately, something new had entered. Fear.
"I left the carcass for you, Drizzle. It's the least I can do for you helping me.” He walked over to Shyanne.
The cat waited until Drayco was next to his sister before he wandered over and disappeared behind by the trees.
The dark twin stretched out on the ground. He laced his fingers together under his head, crossed his feet, and looked up at the sky. Shyanne stretched out next to him and assumed the same position. She remained silent, observing him with a sideways glance. His bad eye was back to normal and the bruises and cuts were gone, thanks to the rejuvenating powers of the blood.
The vision of his sister's reaction when he reemerged from drinking the deer's blood returned. He felt that once their mission to find the Boss was over, he might have to leave again—for her sake. He had finally found his family. But had he really found the missing part of himself, or was that part forever gone? Only time, and Shyanne, would tell.
When Drizzle was finished, the twins climbed into their saddles and started down the road. The cat ran ahead, scouting the area before them. They spotted him occasionally. For the most part, he remained hidden. Half a day into the ride, a thin trail of smoke appeared on the horizon. Drizzle returned and reported to Shyanne what he had discovered. He gave Bravaro a wide berth.
"A town ahead was attacked."
"Did you see who did it?” Drayco asked.
"No. The only movement I saw was the buzzards flying overhead or the ones feasting on the dead. The attackers were gone."
"Just in case, let's use caution. They could still be in the area.” Drayco urged his horse forward. Shyanne followed.
As they topped the hill just outside the town, they stopped. They were looking down on absolute carnage. Some of the buildings were burnt completely to the ground; others were partially scorched, while others remained untouched. The source of the smoke became evident; the partially scorched ones were still ablaze. Bodies lay everywhere. The smell of blood, mingled with the stench of seared flesh, saturated the air.
Drayco and Shyanne rode into town with Drizzle leading the way. Buzzards disturbed by their arrival took flight. The ones sitting in nearby trees screeched their displeasure at having to wait, but wait they did, until they passed.
"Oh Drayco, even women and children weren't spared.” She felt a lump of bile rise in her throat, but managed to keep it down as they rode to the center of the town and dismounted.
"Let's look around and see if there's any survivors,” Drayco said.
Shyanne walked over to one of the partially burned homes and looked inside. She turned away quickly and stumbled from the door. The sight of what lay inside was more than she could take. Leaning against a post to support her wobbly legs, she vomited the little bit of jerky from the last stop, then dry heaved when nothing else came up. She knew without a doubt that there were no sur
vivors in there.
A doll lay in the middle of the road, dirty and broken. She walked over and picked it up. Tears streamed down her face as she hugged it close; picturing the face of a smiling child it had once belonged to. Drayco came over and wrapped his arms around his sister in an effort to comfort her after having to see so many atrocities.
"Why would anyone do this? Why would they kill all these innocent people?"
"I don't know, little sis,” Drayco said as he smoothed her hair. “I don't know.” A moment later, he pulled back. “Shyanne, we need to check this building out. Are you able to go in, or do you want to stay out here?” It was one of the untouched buildings.
"I can go in. After 200 years, I'm used to death and dying ... just not when it's so extensive ... and so pointless. It caught me off guard, that's all.” Shyanne wiped the tears off her face and set the doll down on a bench near the house full of death.
Drizzle stayed outside so he could keep watch. The twins went through the doorway and looked around. Everything from clothing to foodstuff to hardware items were visible. It was a general store. A splattering of blood covered some of the items on display near the back. Drayco moved farther inside to get a better look in that direction.
A middle-aged woman was on the ground near a back wall. Her clothes were torn and her throat slashed. A large pool of congealed blood surrounded her. A younger man lay face down next to her, also in a pool of blood. Something about him caught Drayco's attention. He went over and rolled the man onto his back. A moan of pain escaped with the movement.
"Shyanne! Get over here, quick!"
She ran to her brother's side and knelt next to the injured man. Several slices marred the material covering his chest and arms.
"A survivor,” he told his sister. “I only hope he'll continue to be so. He's lost a lot of blood."
"We have to move him. We can't leave him here."
Drayco checked out a door he had seen in the opposite corner of the shop. He hoped the room beyond was what he thought it was. “Hey. There's a room back here. It looks like living quarters. We can move him in here."
