“Unless we see a bunch of savages,” Butch added.
Stella wished she had the wind, so she could flick the back of his head.
Riding alongside them Bill asked, “If you don’t mind me asking. Miss, how’d y’all end up out here?”
“We—” Stella started.
“We were looking for a new location for a port,” Raven interrupted.
“Did you find a spot?” Tom asked not looking back.
“Um,” Stella said. “No.”
She felt him try to cover up a laugh. He didn’t believe a word they’d said! It was all lies, but how else were they going to explain being this far down in Syar, without admitting they did the impossible?
“Perhaps y'all will answer this,” Tom said. “What happened with the savages?”
Stella told them. Reaching the top of a hill, she ended her story. Or at least she stopped telling it. Below sat a rock formation. It was square shaped, except the center and one side was missing. A camp sat inside the rock surrounded by the towering cliffs.
“Who are you people?” Stella asked.
Chuck chuckled. “Hey look, they finally asked.”
Bill looked over at her. “We’re settlers. We were asked to attempt to cut a path through the Everwoods.”
“No one makes it through those woods,” Raven said.
“We know,” Tom said.
“If you're going to the Everwoods, what are you doing here?” Stella asked.
Butch growled. “Savages.”
“We were attacked,” Tom said. “They killed one of our men.”
“Are you wanting vengeance?” Raven asked.
Stella shot her a look.
Butch spat. “You know it.”
“They have our friend—” Raven started.
“I’ll be stopping you right there miss,” Tom said. “We ain't going to be mounting a rescue mission. I don’t mind feeding y’all, but that's as far as I’ll go.”
“Thank you for what you’re doing,” Stella said.
“For all you know, he’s dead anywho,” Butch said.
Both girls turned to glare at him.
“Butch, don’t you go starting another fuss,” Tom said as they reached the camp.
As they rode in, Bill, Butch, and Chuck separated, heading in different directions.
A man came running up. “Welcome back Tom, the big bug wants to see you.”
Tom nodded and kept riding. Reaching the back of the camp, they dismounted and several children came running in between them. Tom scooped one of them up and gave the girl a hug.
“Where’s your mom?” he asked setting her back on the ground.
The girl pointed to a group of women doing laundry next to a pool of water. Stella’s throat suddenly felt as dry as a desert.
“Could we grab a drink?” she asked Tom.
“Sure, go—“
Without waiting for him to finish Stella and Raven ran to the pool burying their faces in it. Her face instantly began to tingle from the icy water. Gulping down the cool liquid she felt it run down her throat. It tasted like rotten eggs, but she didn’t care. Lifting her head up she took a breath. Her face froze in the wind. Looking over she saw Raven smiling at her.
“That felt good,” she said.
“You girls are lucky that’s a mineral spring,” one of the women said, her hands on her hips.
“A what?” Stella asked.
“Oh, never mind, go back to Tom. He’s waiting for you.”
Tom stood there chuckling to himself. Tapping Raven, she nodded her head in his direction and the two made their way back.
“You ladies have fun?” he asked.
“Yes, we did, thank you,” Stella said, her eyes daring him to say something.
Lifting the flap of a tent, he gestured for them to go in. An older man sat at a makeshift desk staring at a map. Tom walked in and shook hands with him.
“This is Hank,” he said, gesturing to the man. “And this is Stella and Raven.”
“Howdy,” Hank said, tipping his hat. “Who are these fine young ladies?”
“The savages took their companion.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Hank said to them.
“He’s not dead,” Stella said.
Hank spoke softly, a sad smile appearing on his face. “What makes you think that Ma’am?”
“He’s not,” Raven said.
“I hope he isn’t,” Hank said. “And what tribe are you from?”
“Bluewater.”
“Good tribe,” he said. “But this ain’t them. This tribe shoots first and talks never.”
“I realize that,” she said. “But he can’t die, not yet.”
“I hope you’re correct,” Hank said. “Now if you Misses wouldn’t mind, I’d like to talk with Tom in private.”
“We understand,” Stella said standing. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
“That there’s a million-dollar word!” Tom said tipping his hat to her.
The rough tent flap felt itchy to her hand as she pushed it aside. Walking out, the smell of the fall air filled her lungs. Joining her, Raven pointed to a fire pit, and the remains of a roasted bird.
“Looks like a good place to try for a bite of food.”
A group of women sat around it cutting up a root looking vegetables.
“Could we get some food? It’s been a few days since we ate,” Stella asked rubbing the back of her head.
“Dinner will be ready in a—“ A platinum haired woman started. “Days? Oh, you poor dears! Yes! Of course, you can! Margret! Will you please fetch these ladies some biscuits to tide them over till supper's ready?” she finished in a singsong voice. “I imagine you’ve had to wear them clothes for a long time. Follow me dears, we’ve got a wagon full of spare dresses and—“
“Thank you,” Stella said before the woman could continue.
Chattering away, the woman guided her and Raven to a wagon. “Now hop on up missies and get out of those dirty clothes,” she said. “We’ll wash them right up.”
Obeying, they climbed up. The wagon was filled with colorful puffy dresses, hats, men's shirts, bandanas, and those dark blue pants the men wore. Raven Held up one of the dresses with a look of disgust on her face.
Stella couldn’t help giggling. “What’s the matter? Yellow and poofy looks great on you!”
“I’m not wearing these,” Raven said putting the dress back down.
Stella nodded. “I like the look of these blue pants. What were they called again?”
“They’re jeans,” Raven said sifting through them. “This should fit you,” she said tossing Stella a smaller pair.
Stella held them up. “Likely for older boys, but they’ll do.” Taking her clothes off she slid them on.
“They’re a little tight,” she said frowning.
“You thought they’d fit around your big butt?” Raven asked tossing a shirt to her.
“Hey!”
Pulling up her own pair of jeans Raven winked at her. Sliding the shirt on, Stella buttoned it up and grabbed a hat. Putting it on, she tucked her hair behind her ears.
“Howdy,” she said tipping the hat forward.
“Howdy,” Raven said laughing. “How do I look?”
“Lovely, and me?”
“Rick would like what he sees.”
Stella threw a bandana at her. “Let's go,” she said feeling her cheeks grow red.
“What are you wearing?” the lady with platinum hair screeched.
“You can't move in those dresses,” Raven said hoping down beside Stella.
The lady opened her mouth to speak but Tom appeared around the corner.
“There you are. I was told to bring these to you,” he said holding up a bag of biscuits.
Stella took the bundle. “Thank you!” she said unwrapping it
Raven grabbed one and took a bite. Picking one up herself, Stella took a bite. It was hard, dry, hard to swallow, and nothing had ever tasted so good. Soon the en
tire pouch of biscuits was gone.
“You ladies were pretty hungry,” Tom said chuckling at them.
“We haven't eaten recently,” Raven said.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“Thank you so much,” Stella said licking her fingers.
“I have something to show you,” he said.
“Then let’s get moving,” Stella said.
Walking through the camp they maneuvered around tents. Passing one of them, Stella heard a man moaning. Without thinking she rushed to the flap and flicked it open. A Syarin hung shackled to a wooden pole, bruises covering his body. With fire in her eyes, she turned to Tom.
“What is this?”
Grabbing the flap from her he walked in. “Exactly what it looks like. We need to know where they’re hiding. We don’t dare move with those savages out there.”
“You can’t just torture a man!” Stella yelled.
“They killed one of us!”
“So, you stoop to their level?!”
“Yes! For the safety of my wife, I’m willing to do whatever is needed.”
“Both of you stop it!” Raven yelled.
“They have a man chained in a tent!” Stella said turning on her.
“There are tribes where you only become a man by sacrificing your first captive,” Raven said coolly.
Stella felt a knot well up in her throat. “Rick?”
“We have to find him.”
“Why am I just now hearing about this?” Stella asked.
“I didn’t want you worrying,” Raven said staring her in the eye.
Stella paused calming down. “I’ve got an idea,” she said walking out of the tent.
Tom and Raven followed. Once they were far enough away, she stopped.
“How good are you at sneaking behind someone?” she said asking Raven.
“It’s a skill we learn as children.”
Stella turned to look at Tom. “And you want to find their camp?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“You’re letting the man go.”
“Why would I—" Tom started.
“Because,” Stella interrupted. “Raven can follow him to their village. Is that a good enough reason for ya?”
Tom closed his mouth. After a moment he nodded. “I’ll let Hank know. I think he’ll agree.”
“We’ll do it tonight,” Raven said.
Chapter 9
C losing his eyes, Rick released the string. The air whistled as it shot forward. Opening his eyes Rick watched the polished wooden ball fly over the heads of the children, the afternoon sun gleaming off it. A kid jumped up, catching it in the air. Grinning, Rick laughed as the kids started wrestling over the ball. Managing to escape with the ball, the kid darted across the field back toward him. But several kids were right on his tail. Halfway back across the field another kid grabbed the ball. Going down, the first boy tried to hold onto it. Which restarted the wrestling match for the ball. A new kid emerged with the ball and started running the opposite way, toward Devlin. He stood at the other end of the field with a similar sling. The goal of the game was to be the one who carried the ball to one of the slings. Every time the ball changed hands it changed which sling you had to run to.
The game went on like that for a while. With no one scoring a point, Rick just sat and relaxed. I see why grownups like the kids playing this game. You don’t have to do anything, he thought to himself. After about an hour or so, one of the kids ran as fast as he could making it to Rick. With a triumphant smile, he handed the ball to Rick.
One of the boys came running up. Panting he said. “Rick, you have to take a turn.”
Backing away Rick shook his hands. “No, no, no, I’m good, I just volunteered to launch the ball.”
Several of the kids joined in, agreeing Rick had to play.
Devlin came running over. “What’s going on?” he asked.
The kids turned toward him. “Tell Rick he has to play!”
Pretending to think about Devlin tapped his lips. “You have to show these kids what you’re made of.”
“No, I don’t,” Rick said, making the biggest frown he could to try and hide the smile that was creeping in.
“Yes, you do!” several of the kids yelled.
He couldn’t hold back the grin anymore. “All right, all right, I’ll do it.”
Running onto the field, Rick looked back at Devlin loading the sling. Moments later, the ball sailed overhead landing on the grass. A kid snatched it up and ran toward Rick, or more accurately Devlin. Making it a few yards, another kid snatched the ball away. Rick stood there watching the kids run back and forth. Until one foolish kid with the ball came within reach. Snatching the ball Rick, ran away from Devlin.
The kids yelled at him. “That’s the wrong sling!”
Rick ignored them. Reaching the other end, he pivoted and stared at the kids rushing toward him. Wiggling his eyebrows up and down he grinned devilishly. Taking off, he ran toward the correct sling. One of the kids tried to grab the ball. Spinning to left, Rick kept it just out of reach. The kid tried again. Grinning Rick doubled his speed to get away. Spotting the kid who hadn’t managed to grab the ball the whole game, he drifted closer to him. Dodging several kids, Rick made his way closer to the kid. One boy came close to getting the ball, but Rick stopped dead in his tracks and let the kid run right past him. Getting close to his target, Rick tripped over his own feet.
The kid grabbed the ball smiling, his eyes wide in surprise.
Getting to his feet Rick looked around. The boy who’d run past was smiling at Rick.
“Want to help me?” Rick asked.
“Sure,” the kid said running after the kid with the ball.
It didn’t take long to for him to catch up. But Instead of grabbing the ball he accidentally ran into the nearest kid. Running up, Rick got in the way of a couple of other kids and the kid with the ball managed to get past the remaining kids. Some of them, Rick thought, let him get past. Everyone cheered as the kid crossed the line. Well almost everyone, a couple kids had disappointed looks. But they were good-natured about it.
Poana came walking up. “Chief wants to see you,” she said.
“Okay,” Rick said.
“You too,” she said to Devlin.
“I’ll see you guys later,” Rick said waving bye to the kids.
Leaving to the chorus of disappointed groans they moved through the village. Reaching Valla’s hut, the guards nodded, letting them pass.
“You wanted me?” Rick asked entering the hut.
The earthy scent filled his nostrils. The inside looked similar to the one he slept in the night before. Dimly lit by the crackling fire, sunlight peeking in from the top, and cots lining the walls. But in this one it has a shelf of wooden masks. Valla and a man sitting near the fire were the only ones inside.
“Yes, Lou is feeling better,” Valla said gesturing to the man sitting on the ground.
“Good job shooting bandit,” Lou said in broken Halayn.
“Thank you,” Rick said, even though he didn’t feel good about it. “Could you tell us about the bandit camp?”
“Lou didn’t see much,” Lou said. “They had bag over head, they kept Lou in small tent, poked Lou with hot metal, asking about village and warriors.”
“Did you see a very pretty blonde girl, or a pretty Syarin girl?”
“Two girls argue with a man in front of the tent,” Lou said.
Rick let out a sigh of relief, they were still alive.
“Then it’s decided,” he said. “I’m going to get them, tonight.”
Poana huffed. “I would think we would get to decide when we attack.”
“I’m going tonight, with or without you.”
“Alone?” Devlin asked looking at him like he was insane.
If needed I can still use Celestials.
Valla started chuckling “Rick could have fought his way out of the village the moment he woke.”
Lou looked at him with a ne
w aura of respect.
“The other magics?” Poana asked.
“I’m speaking of his fighting skill,” Valla said. Don’t get on the wrong side of him.”
“Can he stop a bullet?” Poana asked with sarcasm.
Rick started laughing. “No, I’m not a God.”
Valla shot him a look.
“I’ve never fought someone with a gun,” Rick said.
“They’re not common, but they are dangerous,” Poana said.
“How many bandits would you say have guns?”
Lou cleared his throat. “I saw ten men with guns.”
“How many total men are there?”
“They hide faces behind cloth. Hard to tell,” Lou said. “Lou only saw when Lou was freed.”
“We believe there’s at least a hundred people, but not all are men,” Poana said.
“How many warriors do we have?” Devlin asked.
“We’re a small tribe, only fifty fighting men, and ten of those are scouts.”
Rick started pacing. “Outnumbered, and they have superior weapons.”
Crouching, he tried to scratch in the dirt floor. He scowled. After years of feet compacting it, the dirt was as hard as a rock. Giving up he stared at the crackling fire, sparks dancing off the twigs.
“Are the cliffs surrounding their camp climbable?” he asked.
“No, too dangerous,” Valla said.
“When did he take charge?” Poana asked Valla.
“He does that,” she said.
Ignoring them, Rick stared at his invisible map. “We’ll have to sneak in. The more we take out before they can sound an alarm, the better. Who are your two stealthiest warriors?”
Valla cackled. ”Poana and Lou.”
That's convenient. Rick grabbed a burnt stick out of the fire and marked a black line in the dirt. “Lou, is your body capable?”
“Lou can do it,” Lou said.
“Poana?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” Rick said tracing a charcoal line in the dirt. “This is the open side of the cliffs. Each of you come in from the edges and take out the two guards.”
“What if they’re discovered?” Devlin asked.
“Then they flee, while archers cover.”
“And the third guard?” Poana asked.
“I’ll take care of him. Wait to take out yours until I take mine out. Once the coast is clear, the warriors will move forward, in two groups of five. Once they make it, another two groups will follow. Ten will stay in the village along with the scouts, and ten will stay at the top of the cliff to cover a retreat if needed.”
Gemini- The Beginning Of The End Page 10
