Not debating the exhaustion, Cage leaned down in the cooling sand, watching Daku shrink some before taking to the sky. He barely closed his eyes before hearing “Chief, a moment of your time please.”
Cage sat up to find Elder Metak standing several feet away. “What’s on your mind? … Oh, you can sit down. I didn’t know you were working just as hard today.”
“I’m old, not dead.” The elder replied while sitting comfortably. “I see you’ve made considerable progress. The tribes along the ocean said that it takes weeks to make even a proper fishing boat yet you made two in the course of an evening.” The elder saw the chief not impressed with his attempt at gradually reaching the reason why he needed to discuss something. Metak sighed and spoke clearly. “Never before have the Utala had a chief like you. Even when I led our people in my prime, they didn’t hold nearly the amount of respect you earned last night by bringing our people home. We are all proud to have you as a brother and want you to continue doing as you have, but last night was not easy for our laws when you told us that not only you, but the priestess and Meeka will be long lived so long as there aren’t any accidents. Little Brooke obviously explained our laws that once fifty years have passed that none of you will be allowed to lead. You may become protectors with limited influence, but if the tribe decides to expel you…”
“Metak,” Cage spoke softly. “That’s fifty years from now and when that day comes you’ll be a spirit. I will still keep my island and if we are expelled the tribe will simply have to leave. Who knows how things might turn out that far away. Honestly, I’ll be surprised to live so long. The way I love a good fight will likely end me one day, but if I do make it to such an age I hope to be the same person. Nevertheless, even if I’m expelled I’ll still watch over my people regardless. Ever since Meeka and Brooke came into my life I’ve made more bonds than I ever imagined. Even if I weren’t chief I would still keep doing my best for the tribe. They all see how hard I work and in turn, they help me. Look at how even the children are helping to scrape off the bark. We are working together, I’ll not ruin all the faith they’ve put on me.”
“This eases an old man’s mind… I’ll have food brought over. Rest, Chief.”
Daku landed outside Cillian’s home as night started claiming the sky. The warriors exited and climbed, but before he took off with everyone Cillian had said “Meeka, we’ll meet you in town tomorrow morning at the tavern.”
Meeka dropped a large cloth bag holding all of her dresses and winter clothes to hug her parents. “See you early in the morning.”
When everyone settled in, Daku took to the sky and returned to the beach, guided easily by six large fires.
Chapter 4
Early the next morning Daku landed in an empty field just outside Kote’s view. Cage, his loves and three of the Utala’s best spearmen accompanied them. Two were women, just like much of the tribe since women far outnumbered men. Rena and Sean wished to come, but they had to stay. Brooke said that Rena needed to help immerse her new brother in the tribe and she eventually relented. Daku eventually shrunk down to get carried by is human partner.
Following the road, Cage and the others proceeded pass farmhouses before the town came into view. The buildings lined either side of the wide road and the simplicity and quaintness gave a semblance of peace. Cage remembered the first time taking this very road while being showed around by a naive Meeka. It was these old western-like establishments that really made him understand that he was no longer on the technologically advanced Earth. Horses were the common mode of transportation, that or using your two legs rather than cars.
“Thinking about the first time we met?” Meeka asked while noticing his nostalgic expression. He turned to give her a smile.
“Of course. After ridding myself of the island, you were the second person I’d seen in months. That and how you were my guide that night.” He admitted while noticing her long blue dress again and how it moved.
Their open march into the town from the southern road didn’t go unnoticed. Early shoppers and vendors were preparing for another day. Some stood in a state of shock at their arrival. None really bothered them till someone said from a distance “Meeka?!”
The group turned to see a lovely woman approach. Meeka blinked before recognizing who she was. “Jakie? What happened to all your long hair?”
Jakie approached with hesitation while under the cool stares of the half naked people with spears, knives and a bow. The young woman in her prime of beauty touched her short hair. “Oh, my new husband has a mill and for my own safety he wanted me to cut it.”
“Husband? When did you get married?” Meeka asked in surprise.
“Last month. He is a good man and he’s very handsome.” Jakie looked at those before her. “Good morning, Cage.” He replied in a kind, similar way. “I see you’ve returned to Kote. Who are these new people? They look like those who came several weeks ago.”
Meeka spoke instead. “These are my new friends. And this” Meeka laced her fingers with her woman. “is Brooke. Brooke is my… well she’s basically my wife and we’re wives to Cage.”
Jakie blinked till the information fully absorbed. “Odd. Did I just hear you say you married another woman?”
“And Cage.” Meeka admitted.
“I cannot say I understand, but you’ve never seem to be like other women.”
“And just what kind of woman are you referring to?” Brooke asked coldly. She remembered everything Meeka ever said about what it was like growing up.
Jakie backpedaled her words. “Sorry, it’s just I cannot understand how women can like women in such a way… Wait!” Her eyes widened as she looked between her once hated person and a fiercely beautiful woman. “Does that mean you are also unaffected to her curse?” Brooke nodded smugly. “Does that mean, Meeka, that your curse is gone?”
“No, my curse will likely forever be part of me and it is still beyond dangerous. Brooke and Cage were meant to be the only ones destined for me. Besides, I found a whole group of people who accept me. See the beads in my hair, it marks me as one of them.” She displayed them by turning her head. “Hopefully we can talk more later, Jakie. I need to go meet by parents at Big Tim’s tavern.”
“Right, I need to finish buying supplies. I hope to hear what you’ve been doing since you left. It must be one long story.”
Meeka grinned, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. “You have no idea.”
Jakie separated and the group continued on ahead.
“You all go on. I need to stop in and purchase some clothes. I’ll meet you shortly.” Cage said and angled at Kote’s only clothing store beside Jom’s chandler’s business. As he lightly stepped onto the walkway he noticed Meeka leading the group ahead. Daku remained quiet while taking everything in.
Cage opened the door to find only one person behind the table sewing together fabric by hand. He knew the older woman and as she looked up he said “Good morning, Millie.”
The woman broke into a smile. “Back in town are we, Cage? It isn’t often I get a man of your stature in here. More so looking as a mage ought. So what brings you here?”
“I’m in need of proper clothes. These robes are too excessive for my tastes and they don’t offer the flexibility I require. Mind if I browse?”
“Go right ahead. You know where your size is. I haven’t rearranged my store.”
He walked over and began sifting through clothes. He guessed how much it would cost and retrieved three sets for himself, all were pants of dark brown or blue with similar shirts, one short sleeved with two long. Cage also found fifteen more sets he could give to the other average size men in the tribe to help lift the burden of clothes making for winter.
Cage brought the items to the table and Millie didn’t ask questions, even after realizing not all were his size. Then Daku jumped on the counter and the seamstress laughed “How adorable!” before picking up the palm size Daku before he realized her intentions. Cage couldn’t completely sup
press a laugh and failed to hide it in a cough. Daku glared at him, but didn’t say a word. Millie asked “What kind of creature is this? I’ve never seen its like before.”
“Few have.” Daku rumbled and the woman squeaked when she realized who spoke. She then apologized while setting him down.
“That will be three silver and two copper.” Millie said to change the topic from her embarrassment.
Four silver coins were exchanged for the clothes and eight copper coins were returned. Cage stuffed the coins in the leather pouch and removed a leather belt from his robe pocket. He retrieved a pair of dark brown pants and a blue shirt to put on in a little dressing room.
By the time he exited he felt much better equipped to move about without the robe containing him. The pants were better for many reasons, especially when the need to kick is required. Robes were too cumbersome. Cage took his empty backpack and stuffed it with all his newly acquired purchases. “Later, Millie.” Cage said as he walked out the front door with his trusty pack on his shoulder.
From the growing number of townspeople turning in his direction, Cage realized word had spread quickly throughout Kote of their return. Some called out warmly or greeted with a wave and Cage returned the welcoming gestures.
One of the female warriors, a middle age woman, nodded to her chieftain as he climbed onto the few steps leading to the tavern. Inside were only a handful of usual patrons all looking over at one large table where Brooke and the others sat with Cillian and Tiffa. Meeka’s parents were actively speaking with bowls of steaming stew on the table. It seemed that everyone had their own bowl.
The aroma alone made Cage’s stomach cramp. He walked over to the table to drop off his bulging pack, gave a quick “Morning, you two.” and then ambled up to the counter where the proprietor gave a warm welcome. “Hey, Big Tim!”
“You’re looking well, Mage. I see you brought back little Meeka and a bunch of other exotic looking women to boot. What can I get for you?” Big Tim asked.
“Some of that amazing vegetable stew I had last time and some hot biscuits with butter.”
“You got it!” Big Tim replied before stepping back from the bar table and through the door. Cage placed four copper on the table to pay for the large bowl brought out on a tray with three biscuits already buttered to perfection.
Cage accepted the tray and sat down between Cillian and Brooke as they left a chair just for him. Before taking even a single bite Cage sent a spell to search for any poisons and since nothing turned black to positively identify deceit, he dug in with gusto. The glass of water was also cleaned till it tasted delicious. The bacteria and contaminants gathered in a tiny blob of stink and he hid it in a cloth. He listened to Cillian tell what had happened since they left which wasn’t really all that much. Cillian even thanked Cage for repairing the old vase yesterday and was told where the money was spent and pointed to the pack.
“Oh I almost forgot…” Cillian said when there came a lull in the conversation to reach below the table and pulled a knife. He froze as two spears seemed to magically level at him when the warriors saw the weapon. “Easy you two.” The mayor said when the tips didn’t move further. He turned the blade so the dangerous end pointed to himself. “It’s Meeka’s knife. I’m giving it back before she runs off again.”
“It’s alright.” Brooke said. The spears pulled back.
“Sorry, Father. And thank you.” Meeka said and took her knife back, glad to hold the life saving object. Its comfortable handle gave her reassurance. She knew that without a sheathe it would need to be carried because her borrowed shoes couldn’t hold it either.
Cillian chuckled. “Don’t be sorry. I might not have been ready, but the two of you” He pointedly met the two warriors stares. “just proved my daughter is in good hands. Good for you.”
“You must be a warrior.” The man said while leaning his lance against the table.
“I was before Meeka was born. I served a few years in the military before becoming mayor of Kote.” Cillian admitted.
“Once a warrior, always a warrior… until you die and join the spirits.” The man said.
“Can’t dispute that, I guess.” Cillian chuckled. Beneath the table his grip on his own knife handle slacked as he put his foot down. The steady gaze of Cage told him that he was the only one to notice the slight movement.
Just as Cage popped the last piece of biscuit in his mouth there came a sudden tingling that gained his attention. He grabbed his glass and drained the water. “Alright, I think Granny is here. I just sensed magic.”
“Chief!” came the voice of the woman warrior outside as she entered. “A woman with a large cat appeared after a light winked out.”
Cage grabbed his pack while standing with the others who also finished their meal. The others stood and followed.
Outside, standing in the middle of the dirt street stood Megdline and Frill. The two were scanning the area for their students. Megdline stood out in her bright yellow robe with her staff clutched in hand. Many of the townspeople gawked openly at her arrival. The search ended as they heard “Granny, over here!”
Frill and his partner spun around to find Cage exiting a tavern with a moderate group following. On his shoulder sat Daku and clutched in a hand was a pack filled to near overflowing. Megdline walked ahead, fully aware her arrival would be spoken of for some time in the small town. “Good, I see you safely made it! And you’ve found your people. Any problem’s I need to be aware of?”
“Nah.” Cage said. “The only thing that didn’t go according to plan was some Vlaran sailors had to be kicked off my island. No one was seriously hurt. Other than that the plan is going smoothly. How’d it go on your end.”
Megdline smiled brightly. “You’ll be glad to hear that the First Council has unanimously agreed to not have you killed!”
“What’s this?” Cillian asked suddenly, not understanding the situation. “What council even thought to have you killed, Cage? What have you done?”
Megdline looked to the well dressed man with a powerful frame and said “You must be Cillian, Meeka’s father and mayor of Kote I presume?” She really didn’t have to ask as she saw enough of his features in the girl along with the mixture of the beautiful woman at his side who appeared to be an older version of Meeka.
“I am… Sorry for being rude. My daughter said your name is Megdline correct?”
“Correct. I do not wish to be rude, but this matter doesn’t concern you. I must speak to Cage, Meeka and Brooke alone if you don’t mind.” Megdline said in a way that wouldn’t seem rude.
“It’s alright, Granny. In a way, he’s family since Meeka’s my mate. She might even accidently let it slip one day and it wouldn’t be good to distance myself from him since my people will likely be trading with Kote pretty soon.” Cage stated.
“Are you sure about this?” Megdline asked.
“If they aren’t in danger anymore I don’t see why not.”
Daku suddenly jumped down and grew to the Meemthia’s approximate size. “Frill, why they talk how about we go hunt for mice.”
Frill smiled with his sharp teeth and meowed “Good idea. I haven’t eaten in awhile. Is there a granary nearby? Those places always have the fattest rats to eat.”
“Follow me.” Daku said and took off like a white flash down the street with Frill keeping pace.
“Perhaps we should sit down.” Megdline requested and Cillian offered the meeting room of his office. “That would be wonderful.”
It didn’t take long for Cillian to open the front door and see his faithful assistant. “Good morning, Kitty.”
The older woman replied “Hello, Mayor. I didn’t expect to see you here so early with Meek… Oh, you bring guests. Hello everyone.” She said and noticed Cage first and couldn’t help remembering her first encounter when he arrived that first night. Her wrinkled cheeks reddened as his physique looked more impressive. She could not bring herself to understand who all those following behind the mayor were, b
ut she asked “Should I bring refreshments.”
A woman in bright yellow robes said “That would be kind, but we’ll not be staying that long. It will be a quick meeting.”
Cillian opened the double doors across from Kitty’s desk which revealed a meeting room. He shut it when everyone, including the warriors, entered.
Just to be sure the conversation wasn’t overheard, Megdline wove a spell around the room which scrambled words incoherently. It was much easier than completely blocking words. She sat with everyone except the attentive warriors who took up strategic places to defend should there be an attack. She sighed before turning to her student “Cage, you have no idea how glad I was when Twilight’s First Council voted to end their relentless observation to finally decide whether or not to kill you.
“After I left you all, I did as I said and returned to Twilight. My husband found me and didn’t say a word or indicate that the council had made a decision not a day prior. He took Frill and myself directly to the assembly hall, before all the convened counselors to tell me that they will not use their power to eliminate you for several reasons. The largest asset in your defense is because of Daku. His presence in your life makes the greatest benefit to your well being and continued survival. The dragons, when the southern glacial colony got word to those in the Blind Mountain colony, that Daku disappeared and his castle was destroyed, they feared the worst. When they did eventually find him following you they banned the council from attacking unless indisputable proof was given to them detailing you as a worldly threat. At the time though, they didn’t explain themselves or of Daku’s presence. They wanted to follow you with intrigue. Without irrefutable proof of you endangering Raliea or a large population, the dragons would intervene because Daku must remain protected and through him, you. The Magical Council knows that the dragons wouldn’t interfere in human affairs unless there was a great reason, primarily not allowing true extinction of any one species, even if there is little to no hope of said species ever rising in population in the future.
Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga) Page 12
