Kora (Kora Series Book 1)

by Marina Epley

  “And what about your little friend?” Wreck asks. “You can’t just leave her behind, can you? She’s still locked back in the village. The guys will kill her if you run off.”

  I clinch my teeth, feeling nauseated. I completely forgot about Tanya again. But how can I save her? How can I free her from a gang of roamers?

  “Aren’t you hungry?” He smiles. “We have plenty to eat back in the village. Steaks, baked potatoes, rolls and other tasty things… You like steak?”

  His talking about food causes a hungry spasm in my stomach. I don’t remember the last time I ate a normal meal. Wreck stands in the middle of the open space, holding Gabriel’s knife and dangling the key, grinning like a fool. I don’t know what I should do.

  I draw in a deep breath, calming myself, and finally step out from my cover.

  “Oh, there you are.” He turns to face me. “Don’t be scared now. I ain’t your enemy, I swear.”

  “Stay back!” I shout. “I’ll kill you if you try anything!”

  He stands motionless.

  “Place the key and my knife on the ground!” I order, and he quickly executes my request. “Take fifteen steps back. And don’t make any sudden movement.”

  Probably understanding that I’ll just take off again should he attempt anything, he follows my order.

  “Now lie on the ground!” I yell.

  He rolls his eyes, but obediently sprawls across the ground.

  “Put your hands behind your back,” I add.

  “I’ll be damned,” he groans, but does as I requested.

  I hurriedly run toward the middle of open space, dropping the stone, and pick up the knife. Holding the blade in front of me, I take the key and attempt to unlock the collar. Wreck smirks, watching as I struggle.

  “Look, sweetie,” he says. “Let me help you.”

  “Shut your mouth!” I shout, infuriated. “I’m not your damn sweetie!”

  “Of course not. I’m sorry,” he quickly adds. “I won’t call you sweetie, all right? I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t be afraid of me.”

  “I said shut your mouth!” I yell, almost hysterically. The lock doesn’t open and I feel like I’m losing control.

  Wreck becomes quiet, lying facedown in the grass. I continue struggling with the collar, but no matter what I do, I can’t open it.

  “It’s a tricky lock,” he says calmly, rising to his feet.

  “Stay on the ground!” I yell, brandishing the knife.

  “Gosh,” he groans, sprawling in the grass again.

  I have no idea why he does what I say.

  “C’mon, just let me help you,” he raises his head, looking up at me. “I’m real tired of lying here. You have your trophy knife back, so what exactly are you worried about? Are you really so frightened of me?”

  “I’m not scared of you,” I lie.

  “Why don’t you let me help you then?”

  I know I shouldn’t let him get close to me. But I can’t open the lock and am too exhausted to continue trying.

  “Fine,” I say. “Get over here and help me. But move very slowly. I swear I’ll slit your throat if you try anything stupid.”

  Grinning, Wreck approaches and I feel my legs weaken. I place the blade against his neck, my heart beating so fast I become dizzy.

  “You’re safe,” he says calmly, slowly taking the key from my hand.

  He turns the key inside the lock, and the collar and chain fall to the ground. But he doesn’t move away, still standing very close and looking directly into my eyes. I hold my breath, squeezing the handle of the knife tighter. He’s only about an inch taller than me.

  “Is this how you killed him?” Wreck whispers. “How you slit his throat?”

  “Yes,” I answer. “And I’ll happily slit yours, should you try anything.”

  “I believe you,” he smiles, obviously getting a kick out of our conversation. “Was there lots of blood?”

  “Plenty.”

  His eyes flicker.

  “You’re amazing,” he says, taking a big step backward.

  I lower my knife.

  “What now?” I ask. “What plan were you talking about?”

  “Let’s return to the village and I’ll explain everything.”

  I don’t move, giving him a hard look. Should I really go back to the village?

  “C’mon, Kora,” he says. “I promise everything will be all right.”

  At first I don’t realize he said my real name, then stare at him in confusion.

  “Did you really think I wouldn’t find out your real name?” he laughs. “I spoke with Tanya.”

  “You didn’t hurt her, did you?” I ask.

  “Why would I hurt her?!” He seems astounded, although I don’t understand why my question would surprise him. “It’s me who got hurt. She bit me and promised to kill me should I lay a hand on you.”

  “What?!”

  “Relax,” Wreck smiles. “She’s fine. I brought her breakfast. And if you’d be so kind to join me, I’ll feed you too.”

  I hesitate another moment before following. We walk side by side, heading back toward the village. I now worry Wreck may try to take my hand or touch me in some other way. But he doesn’t, keeping his hands in his pockets and whistling carelessly. I wonder whether I’m making a deadly mistake by following this guy.

  CHAPTER 23

  Wreck and I come to a small cabin and he invites me inside, holding the door. I hesitate, wondering whether I’m being careless, before walking in. Inside, it’s poorly lit and sparsely furnished. I see a few old blankets spread out across the floor. There are bags and jars lined against a wall. A single wooden shelf containing knives, animal skulls and a handgun. A creepy place.

  “This is where I stay,” Wreck says happily, closing the door.

  I stand motionless, prepared to use my knife if I have to.

  “Come on in, make yourself at home,” he smiles. “I swear you’re one hundred percent safe. I won’t hurt you. I’m a friend.”

  I don’t trust him.

  “Why do you want to be my friend?” I ask.

  “Because you’re awesome,” he states. “Well, you just wait here. I’ll be right back with some grub.”

  He leaves and I breathe out a sigh of relief, finally relaxing. I glance around and my eyes moisten with tears, because the dim light and low ceiling in this shack remind me of home.

  Curious, I open one of the jars and discover dried leaves inside. I also check a small bag containing dried flowers. Strange. What does he need this stuff for?

  I step closer to the shelf, gazing at the skulls and wondering what sort of animals they were. A cow, a dog, a wolf maybe… I freeze, holding my breath. There’s also a human skull. A scary trophy indeed. I tentatively touch the smooth bone and stare into its empty eye-sockets, feeling uneasy. I’ve never before seen a real human skull. I pick up one of the knives and open it, fingering the long sharp blade.

  “Have you already checked out all my stuff?” Wreck asks as he walks in, grinning. “Or should I give you a little more time?”

  I hurriedly place the knife back on the shelf and sit down on a blanket.

  “You did say to make myself at home,” I say sheepishly.

  “I see,” Wreck laughs, plopping down across from me.

  He opens a large canvas bag, taking out two metal plates and places them on the floor. He fishes out bread, baked potatoes and a couple of juicy steaks wrapped in foil. My mouth waters, and for a moment I can see myself back in the dining room in the racer training facility. I push away the thought, and begin eating. Over the last several days, Tanya and I survived on nothing but wild berries and frog legs.

  “Where did you get all this food?” I ask, chewing.

  “From our cook’s kitchen. They prepare meals for all the rangers.”

  “You mean… roamers?”

  “We call ourselves rangers. So after you join us, you’ll never have to cook again. What do you think about that?”
>
  “I’ve never cooked anyway,” I answer, and then the meaning of his words dawns on me. “What do you mean after I join you?”

  “When you become a ranger.”

  “What?!”

  “We need more strong, brave soldiers. You’re a perfect fit for our gang.”

  I stare deeply into his eyes, trying to understand whether he’s being serious or not, but can’t read his face.

  “How can you say that?” I ask. “You don’t really know me.”

  “You killed Gabriel along with two guards, not to mention breaking Ace’s nose. What else do I need to know? I reckon you might have slit my throat if I hadn’t disarmed you first.”

  I realize what he says is partly true. Although I was terrified when he attacked me, I wouldn’t hesitate had I managed to pull my knife.

  “I don’t want to become a roamer,” I say. “I have my own plans.”

  “What kinda plans? You’re an escaped servant. Where else can you go?”

  “Bastion,” I say, at the same time wondering why I’m sharing this information with him.

  “They don’t like escaped servants in Bastion. They’d likely just contact the masters in Central Settlement and send you back, if they discover who you are. Killing the son of the high master isn’t a joke.”

  I realize the truth in his words as I remember Lady Augusta’s and Dimitri’s warning. Still, joining the roamers seems like an even more dangerous plan.

  “I’m not willing to join a gang of killers, rapists and thugs,” I state, remembering Trent’s words.

  Wreck stares blankly at me. “Is that what you’ve heard? That’s not exactly true. We don’t rape anybody. We just kill trespassers.” He smiles innocently as if killing people is a virtue.

  “And how many innocent travelers have you personally killed?” I ask accusingly.

  “Well, I didn’t bother to count.” He shrugs. “What? Don’t look at me like that. Most of the ones who come here aren’t exactly innocent. They’re typically killers as well. We just protect our land.”

  “Really? What about Tanya and I?”

  “What about you?” he smirks. “You’re a cold-blooded killer, Kora. You’re just like us.”

  Am I? I ask myself. I don’t know. Maybe.

  “Anyway, I’ve already apologized for attacking you,” he says. “It wasn’t anything personal. It’s just the way we treat captives. I simply followed the drill.”

  “I don’t want to join your gang,” I repeat.

  “Our leader, Tartis, gave a direct order to kill you and Tanya,” Wreck says, as I feel my throat tighten.

  I watch him warily, thinking about my knife.

  “I’m not gonna follow the order,” he adds. “But others will do whatever he commands. I saved your and Tanya’s lives back in the woods by not letting Ace kill you. But I can’t protect you from all of them.”

  “Just let us escape,” I say quietly.

  “I can’t let you escape,” Wreck says firmly, and I hear the finality in his words. “You must become a ranger if you hope to live.”

  He stops smiling, and his presence now feels intimidating. I no longer sense any friendliness in his attitude.

  Tanya and I must survive, no matter the cost, I remind myself.

  “What would I have to do to join your gang?” I ask.

  Wreck smiles broadly. “Well, you’ll have to meet with our leader, and persuade him to let you become one of us. Other rangers will attend the meeting, and I reckon some will be against you. But don’t worry, I’ll be there to support you.” He pauses, thinking. “Remember, Tartis doesn’t want to initiate a conflict with Central Settlement. As long as we don’t bother them, they don’t bother us. So don’t mention Gabriel, all right? Just say you killed some guards in the Recycling village and escaped. Got it?”

  I nod, envisioning myself standing in the midst of a crowd of roamers, being the center of attention. I already feel sick.

  I continue eating in silence, recalling everything that’s happened within the past few months. Chimeras, Amy’s and Topaz’s deaths, the loss of my mother… and now roamers. A strange indifference comes over me, and it seems like I can no longer worry about what might happen to me or what I might have to do. If Wreck insists that joining roamers is the only option I have, then fine, I’ll join them.

  “What was all that talk about destiny?” I look up at him. “What did you mean when you said we were destined to meet?”

  “I said that?” He pretends astounded. “No way. Why would I say something like that?”

  I don’t argue, although I’m certain he remembers but… whatever.

  He watches as I eat, his eyes attentive and unblinking. Just like Gabriel’s.

  “Stop staring at me,” I say, feeling uncomfortable.

  “I can’t. I’ve never seen anybody eat so much.” He smiles. “Where does it all go? I mean, you’ve already eaten like three times more than me. It’s amazing!”

  “Racers have good appetites,” I shrug.

  “I’m sure! Could you eat some more?”

  I nod and Wreck gives me part of his steak along with three more rolls.

  “Whoa,” he breathes out after I finish. “It’s like feeding a chimera! I’ve always wanted to try feeding one from my bare hands. Here, take it.”

  He stretches out an arm toward me, holding a roll and pretending to be scared. His role play is quite good. His eyes widen and even his hand begins to tremble. Not fully understanding why I’m doing it, I lean forward and snatch the roll from his fingers with my teeth.

  “Ouch!” He withdraws his hand, pretending shocked. “Damn, Kora! You almost bit off my hand!” He chuckles and I smile. “Can you catch food in your mouth?”

  “What?” I frown.

  “You know, like a dog. I’ll throw something and you try to catch it.”

  I don’t really know what to say.

  “Why would I do that?” I ask.

  “It would be fun,” he states.

  “No.”

  “Oh come on, you just don’t know how. I’ll demonstrate the technique. Throw something to me.”

  I stare at him, wondering what this is all about. Wreck motions for me to go ahead. He now seems like a completely different person, not the same ruthless guy who captured me last night.

  I toss a chunk of bread and Wreck easily catches it with his mouth. I’ve never seen anybody do that before.

  “How did you manage that?” I ask, impressed.

  “Years of practice,” he answers. “Like me to show you another little trick? Come closer.”

  I move a couple feet toward him.

  “Closer,” he grins. “I promise I won’t bite.”

  I scoot in closer to him, wondering to myself why I’m following his silly requests.

  “What’s this?” He points at my bracelet. “Can I see?”

  Before I have time to answer, he takes my hand, leaning in to have a closer look at the bracelet. His touch makes me tense, but I’m too hesitant to pull my hand away.

  “It’s a gift from my friend,” I explain.

  “The one you killed Gabriel over?” he glances at me, and I nod.

  For a few moments our eyes lock, but he doesn’t say anything, just smiling and holding my hand.

  “What?” I ask, becoming more nervous.

  “Nothing,” he chuckles.

  I look down at my wrist and there’s no bracelet.

  “Hey! Where is it?!” I exclaim, pulling my hand away from him. “How did you take it off?

  “Took off… what?”

  “My bracelet! Give it back to me!”

  “What bracelet?”

  I lose my ability to speak, panicking, because it’s the only thing I have left from Amy. Wreck stares at me innocently.

  “Please return the bracelet,” I say, almost pleading.

  “What bracelet?” he repeats, pretending confused. “Oh, you mean the one you’re wearing on top of your head?”

  I realize that
there’s something lying on top of my head. I move a little and the bracelet falls to the floor in front of me. Wreck grins.

  “Wow,” I breathe out, putting it back on my wrist. “I mean… It’s just incredible! How did you do that?”

  “Pure magic. I could do the same thing with your clothes.”

  “No! Please don’t!” I exclaim.

  “Relax!” Wreck laughs at my reaction. “I’m not quite that good. At least not yet.”

  I look at him angrily, but smile in spite of myself. I have to admit it was amusing.

  “Well, you stay here and I’ll bring Tanya over.” He rises to his feet. “Just know I’ll have to lock her back up again soon. Tartis actually prohibits taking captives outside.”

  Once he is gone, I lie back on the blanket, thinking about him. I can’t figure out this guy. Is he good or evil? Kind or merciless? Is he really my friend or not?

  I don’t have the answer. There are too many things I still don’t understand.

  Why did he become so excited upon seeing Gabriel’s knife? Why does he want me to join his gang? What does he really need from me?

  No clue.

  ***

  The door opening breaks my thought and I sit up. I see a tall thick girl standing in the doorway. She's in her mid-twenties, with long dark hair and oriental eyes. Black war paint covers her lips and eye-lids, giving her an exotic appearance. She’s dressed in tight camo pants, a sleeveless gray top and heavy platform boots. Her outfit obviously serves to compliment her curvy body, and I have to admit there’s a lot to compliment. One glance at her is enough to understand she’s one of such type of girls born to be large but at the same time gorgeous. Ones who may lose some of their effect should they become thinner.

  “So you’re the girl Kris found in the woods,” she states.

  “I suppose so,” I mutter, suddenly becoming very self-aware of my unattractiveness.

  “You’re planning to join his gang?”

  I shrug, gazing at her. She commands the same feelings of admiration as Amy, because this girl is also stunningly beautiful, only in a different way.

  “Let me give you some free advice, girl.” She takes a few graceful steps toward me, swaying her hips. “Get the hell out of here and go wherever you were going. Don’t let Kris manipulate you.”