“Hi…” I brush a curl behind my ear as I sit up and scoot back. My focus drops to his bare chest and I blush. “How long have you been sitting there?”
“Not long.”
“How long’s not long?”
“All morning,” he shrugs. “Except,” he shifts forward, resting his elbows on his knees, “the half hour I grabbed some food and told the others you were still sleeping.”
“Who?”
“Pratt and Mae, mostly. They’ve been asking for you since last night. I let you sleep for a little while.”
“What time is it?”
“About an hour from noon.”
“Shit,” I bring my hand to my forehead. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sleep so long.”
“You’re recovering,” he shrugs. “You need your rest.”
Images from yesterday flash—arriving on Larupip, the Pwebole ambush and being captured by the Vermix, the rescue and then being brought back here to talk about what I overheard and what it all means. And later, when Reid and I were alone, I confessed the truth. I finally admitted what I feel for him, how much I care for him and he…he didn’t say it back. The familiar ache pierces through me, jolting my chest but I ignore it.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
I shake my head. “Breakfast?”
“More like lunch,” he gets up, motioning for the animal hides on the floor besides the bed. “Get dressed and I’ll grab you something to eat. Let the others know you’re awake.”
He’s gone the next second. Watching the red curtain close, I wait for it to still before glancing at the floor. Back into the most uncomfortable clothing ever. With a deep exhale, I reach for the tribal wear and placing them on the bed, I start undressing, my mind already racing.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said it. But I wanted to—I needed to. There was nothing else to say, except the truth. Because that’s what it is. I love him. I love him so much my heart constricts when I consider not being with him. If something were to happen—
No.
I’m not going to think about that. Because I would die. I’m not going to think about the other part either—the fact that he has a past he’s still connected to. Reid is here; he’s chosen me but part of him still exists with her, with Allison. It’s like a stab to my heart. I can’t change what they had. I can’t change that it ended abruptly and with no cause other than separation. And I can’t ask him to forget her completely, to forget what they had. It’s not fair to him. I just have to give him what he needs. Time.
Pushing it from my mind, I continue getting dressed. Once I’m in the animal hides—and feeling very close to naked again—I pull the red curtain open.
“Walker?”
“Fallon,” he flies around, his face flushing as his eyes scan me. A small smile sparks. “You’re okay.”
“Yeah,” I mirror his glee. “Something different going around?”
“We heard what happened,” he glances to the side of my face. “How’re you feeling?”
“Glad to be on Nerwolix.”
“I’m sure. Sorry I wasn’t there. Sampson only wanted a handful to go and obviously…” he rolls his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he folds his arms. “I’m happy you’re back.”
I smile, because I’m not really sure what else to say. I step forward, toward the giant branch- bridge that leads to a center post where a wooden platform runs the circumference of the thin trunk. It stands in the middle of a group of other bridges that lead to the other homes nearby. They’re all small like mine, and mostly camouflaged in the lime green leaves.
Leaning on the edge of the hollowed out branch, I gaze out at the glistening city of Zinnollo. “How have things been here?”
He follows me. “Same. Quiet.”
“And Mae and Pratt? How are they?”
“Getting used to things. I’ve been keeping a close eye on them—me and Zeed.”
“Thank you.”
“And you guys are back for a while now?”
“That’s what I hear,” I stare out into the lush tree tops. “For the foreseeable future. We’re planning to stay here for awhile…the next stage of the war at least.”
“Yeah,” Walker scratches the back of his head. “Hozfin’s not budging on it.”
“I know,” I glance to my wrists. “He will, though. When the time is right.”
“Learn a lot, did you?” Walker scoffs out a bit of anger, running his hand through his red hair. “Can’t believe you were there for a few hours.”
“And out for most of it.”
“Good,” he stares out to the canopy. After a long second, he shakes his head, angered. “You shouldn’t have been there in the first place.”
“One of them hit me when we were leaving.”
“I wouldn’t have let you go,” he sneaks a glance. “I would’ve held on.”
Uncomfortable, I focus on the trees again. “Can’t undo the past.”
“No…” he shrugs, following my stare, “only be smarter in the future.”
“I don’t plan on it happening again.”
“I wouldn’t let it.”
“Neither would other people.”
“He did a piss poor job the first time, didn’t he?”
“Walker,” I turn to him. “I know you two—”
“That has nothing to do with it. Listen,” he shakes his head, running his hands through his hair again, “No one’s done what you have. You’re pretty fucking amazing, and to see you in such a dangerous situation… I’m sorry, it’s unacceptable. I can deal with the fact that you want him, but if he can’t take care of you—”
“Are you fucking kidding me,” Reid growls from deep in his throat. He stands rigid, legs apart, with a melon in one hand as he pelts Walker with a look of utter abhorrence.
“Oh,” he rolls his eyes, focusing on the trees again. “There you are, Rox. Just starting to worry.”
“You should.”
He exhales. “It’s getting tired, friend.”
“I’m not your friend,” Reid pushes closer. “Now get the hell out of here.”
“This isn’t your home.”
“Get the hell out of here right fucking now.”
“Or what?” he crosses his arms. “I’m a tribesman. I have more right to be here.”
“Not if you’re dead.”
“Careful there. Not on home territory anymore.”
“You think I care where I kill you?”
“Stop!” I put a hand on both their chests, using my most authoritative tone. “Stop it—now!”
“She’s touching me, Rox,” Walker grins. “You okay with that?”
Reid squeezes his free hand into a fist.
“Fallon!” Pratt calls, rushing up the nearest bridge.
“Fallon?” Mae rushes behind her. “You’re back!”
Both are dressed in the same small brown and beige animal hides, a long braid whipping behind them as they race closer. Without even slowing, Pratt collides into me, wrapping her arms around my waist in a tight squeeze. “You’re back.”
“I said I would be,” I return her hug. God I’ve missed Pratt.
“But they all showed up yesterday,” she withdraws with a scowl, “totally freaked out about what happened with laura-pop, and what they needed to do and that it had to be done quickly. I finally had to pull it out of Jace what happened—that you got separated and were still there with the Vermix!”
I nod, unable to look at either Walker or Reid.
“Reid basically freaked on Sampson,” Pratt goes on, “but they went and got you back! And you’re here!” she squeezes me again.
“Are you okay?” Mae’s brows pinch in concern, her eyes scanning me. “I heard you were a little roughed up… are your injuries healing well?”
“I think so…” I rub my wrists. “Clarence gave me some Vilbrees. I feel fine, actually.”
“Wonderful! We’re glad to have you back…” she leans in, “…we’ve missed some decent female company.”
>
“Decent?”
Mae sighs. “Hozfin thinks all the human females should live near each other—has us grouped together constantly.”
I narrow my eyes. “Perry?”
I’d almost forgotten she was here. Like Able and Walker, Perry was brought in Vix’s attempted escape when the Vermix invaded Harrizel. It was great to see both boys, but discovering that the girl who led Ansley on her adulterous path was here…well… that was just disappointing.
“I can’t stand her,” Pratt glares.
“She is a handful,” Walker laughs. “Thinks she’s owed the world, and that it’s hers to rule.”
“Her rule means shit,” Reid scowls. “And I’ll remind her of that every fucking day.”
“Geez, Rox,” Walker whistles, “tell us how you really feel.”
“Fuck you Walker, you dumb piece of shit.”
“Okay, okay,” I hold a hand up to Reid’s chest as he advances. “Let’s calm down.” I spin to the girls. “Where are the other Rogues? And Sampson and Clarence?”
“Except for Able, they’re all in Hozfin’s home.”
“What’s wrong with Able?”
“Didn’t you know?” Mae frowns then blanches. “Oh, I guess not. He was hit.”
“What?”
“Non-fatal,” Reid comforts. “Chaisle bullet went right through his shoulder. He’s fine… just sleeping it off, like you.”
“Oh…” I frown.
“We’ll check on him later. Come on,” Reid drapes his arm around my shoulder, leading me past the others, “we need to get to Hozfin’s. I know they want to ask you some more questions.”
The girls follow right behind us and Walker, just after them. We walk in silence and reach the king’s home quickly, finding the massive dwelling in the city center. It’s as big as I remember it—maybe bigger—with a wider curtain to shield the long entryway. Dropping his arm, Reid reaches for my hand and squeezes it. Pulling back the red curtain, he enters first. I’m right behind him and the others follow us in. Everyone is already here: all Rogues except Able, the six Dofinikes in human form, King Hozfin and Warze, his second in command. The king’s home is about five times the size of mine but with everyone in here, it’s still a tight squeeze.
“Fallon,” Sampson peeks over the others. At my name, all conversation stops and the Rogues along with everyone else in the king’s home looks at me, surprise and relief in their eyes. “There you are. Would you mind joining us up here?”
I head for the back where Hozfin sits in his carved throne, surrounded by the six Dofinikes and Warze. Reid is right behind me, keeping a firm grasp on my hand as we weave through the waving Rogues, all saying my name and smiling as we pass. I wave back, moving for the far end of the cramped space. Walker heads for Hozfin’s right and leans against the wall with his arms crossed.
“How’re you feeling, kid?” Clarence grins. “That Vilbrees working for you?”
“Definitely.”
“Her scars are nearly gone,” Reid motions to my cheek.
“Not bad,” Sampson agrees. “I’m glad to see you up and moving. Reid wanted to let you sleep for the entire day, but I do believe it’s important that you tell King Hozfin what you overheard while it is still fresh.”
The king sits tall in his wooden thrown, his furry knuckles hanging off the arm rests. He narrows his blue eyes with curiosity, a brow rising as he turns to me. “What you overhear?”
“I heard Reuzkimpart talk about an invasion and that—”
“They say Zingfinolds?”
I shoot a quick glance at Sampson. “No… not specifically.”
“They say Hozfin?”
“No.”
The king readjusts in his throne, his fingers strumming the wooden post. “Then why we told this?”
“Reuzkimpart said that once they secure the Floating Ruby, they would try for the Shadow Bag again. He’s planning to obtain all three gifts to end Dellapalania’s prophecy.”
“He will no find Nerwolix Gift.”
“He will come looking for it,” Sampson sighs. “You must know this.”
“He will fail.”
“The point is that he will try. Reuzkimpart will bring his forces sooner or later and based on what Fallon heard… it should be soon.”
“He will no succeed. He will perish.”
“But that’s after how many Zingfinolds must fight and die? King Hozfin,” Sampson gets to one knee before him, “please understand—an army of Vermix will come. Waves of them will wash up on Nerwolix and—”
“But no Zingfinolds. Not here. You not hear this.”
“But they will come to Nerwolix,” I say. “They’re coming, and they’ll make landfall wherever they think the Floating Ruby is hidden. It’s not about invasion. It’s about thievery. That’s all they want.”
“That’s right,” Clarence nods.
“We prepared for invasion—we always prepared,” Hozfin strokes his silver-brown beard, considering, “…but humans… maybe training for humans.”
“Us?” Walker’s brow furrows.
“No,” the king motions to the Rogues and me. “New humans.”
“No offense, your highness,” Clarence clears his voice, “but I think it’s going to take more than just training the humans. We need to prepare for the invasion and it will be on your doorstep sooner than you think.”
“If Reuzkimpart wishes fight,” the king grumbles, “he die.”
“King Hozfin,” Blovid starts, “I wonder—might I have a private word with you?”
He nods, motioning the rest of us away and with Reid’s fingers still laced in mine, he leads us out of the king’s home, the rest following. On the outside dock, Sampson and Clarence simultaneously exhale while Qippert sports a frown and Jothkore and Vix simply look disheartened.
“Well that didn’t go as well as I’d hoped,” Sampson shakes his head. “I figured if you told him about the invasion, he’d take it more seriously. It’d be more than theories… it’d be proof of what’s to come.”
“I hate to say it,” Clarence sighs, hooking his hands on his hips. “But Queen Ravan was right. His pride will be his downfall.”
“What does he mean train humans?” Reid asks.
“He doesn’t know about your training,” Sampson shakes his head and glances to the other Rogues, “or what any of you have been through, but it does make sense to learn their defenses. Zingfinolds are masters of stealth and silent deaths.”
“But will that help us with a Vermix army?” I ask.
“Couldn’t hurt,” Clarence shrugs.
“And who’s going to train us?”
“I will,” Walker meanders past the red curtain, arms folded. He stops between Werzo and Booker, scanning the group. “And it would be smart to learn what the Zingfinolds do. They’re skilled assassins…wouldn’t be bad to learn a thing or two.”
“Like what?” Reid glares.
“Like they attack from above,” Walker shrugs. “Took you guys down real easily.”
“So we’d just be sitting around in trees?” Jace asks. “Waiting to ambush their ambush?”
“We don’t even have a scope of when they’re coming…” Tucker runs his hand through his hair. “Or where…”
“It will be here,” Sampson says. “That’s what Hozfin doesn’t understand. Reuzkimpart suspects the southern terrain. It’s always been hinted that the Gift was placed somewhere outside of Thias’s Kingdom, long before the Zingfinolds seceded. Walker,” he turns to him, “I’m going to need you to continually convince him of the invasion. It is coming and we need to be more prepared than this. We need to have a plan in place.”
“Like what?”
“Something,” Clarence shrugs. “But right now we’re sitting ducks.”
“Just keep reinforcing this invasion. Keep it in Hozfin’s thoughts constantly. The more he hears about it, he may wish to do something.”
“Hozfin has never met a foe he has not defeated,” Blovid moves past t
he curtain, standing between Sampson and Clarence. “I have explained again and he still does not understand. He cannot, because it is unfathomable to him.”
“What?” Reid asks. “Defeat?”
Blovid nods, looking at Sampson. “He will not prepare for this invasion.”
“Then we must prepare for him. Walker,” he turns to him, “if you could instruct the others with what you know, I think that would be very beneficial.”
“Of course.”
“Able will attend when he’s feeling better,” Sampson glances to us before locking eyes with the other Dofinikes, “and we will figure this out. Let’s retire to my home for now,” he heads off the only bridge, Clarence, Blovid, Qippert, Vix and Jothkore following.
“Alright,” Walker rubs his hands together, “who’s ready to train?”
Chapter Seven: Zingfinold Boot Camp
“Let’s start with the basics—this is an Eckle tree.”
Walker gestures to the massive trunk on his left. Only part of the rope-like texture is visible past the low-hanging lime green leaves. They fall in different degrees, some hanging high, lost in the shimmering green canopy above while others dip low to the ground and some, mere inches from touching it. The leaves are everywhere, bulging from the swollen trunk like a glistening lime halo. They collide with other halos to create a shield of green curtains that offer glimpses of the brown bark beneath and sometimes, when the leaves hang higher, the bit of space between the Eckles.
Like ahead, where they thin out and reveal a wide clearing in the center of the forest. It’s the same area that Tucker fought Zeed. And then, after returning from the second task with three Ludin bones, it’s where he fought and killed the Horrop. It’s also the same place where we celebrated his victory of becoming a tribesman by eating the cooked Horrop and mingling with the Zingfinolds.
Walker rubs his hands together. “They’re your quickest way up and down. You can use them in the daytime, but they’re more beneficial at night, so you can drop in on your enemy unaware and in complete darkness.”
Discovery at Nerwolix Page 8
