“What do you want me to do about it?” Shade asked with teasing eyes.
Clift didn’t recognize Shade’s sarcastic side so he laid his words out for all to hear. “I’ve seen how strong you are and you’re fearless when you fight. I want to have just a small piece of that boldness. I know I’ll never be as powerful as a predator, but I need to defend myself and Marlin.” His large chest expanded with the intake of so much air before he put all his hopes on this question. “Will you teach me to fight so I might be able to become a warhorse?”
Shade’s lips pulled back, showing all of his impressive teeth. He was grinning. “Warhorse? They are fearless in battle and will take their rider into the eternal abyss should they wish. If you are sure about this then I’ll help. Sounds like fun too. When would you like to start?”
“When you feel better of course,” Clift said truthfully. “If I’m to learn properly you’ll need to be healed.”
Shade’s eyes narrowed, hating being coddled, but he continued without letting his wounded pride seep through his words. “Lily is also a great teacher. Should Alex ask her to help train you? Humans will be your worst enemy.”
Clift turned his head so he could see both Lily and Marlin. They had stopped talking over by the fire and were looking right at Clift and the others. When his head returned to look at the brothers he visibly shuddered in his flanks and shoulders. “Honestly…I’ll wait for you. Lily scares me even more than you do.”
Alex threw his head back and began laughing in earnest. Shade rolled over and started barking a laugh himself. And then Clift started neighing. He didn’t mean for it to turn into a joke, but there wasn’t another way to say it. Alex laughed so hard that his belly hurt and his eyes started watering. Shade had a hard time catching his breath, as did Clift. The three of them haven’t had a laugh like this in a very long time. It was a welcome change.
Then Lily stood and made her way over to the laughing trio, at least that was she assumed. Shade was on his back barking, Alex made similar sounds and Clift was prancing and neighing. Her hips swayed from side to side mesmerizingly and her items kept a perfect timing. Her beauty and standing were unmistakable and Alex was completely entranced. Lily noticed Alex was the first to stop barking and the way he looked at her almost made her blush. She stopped near them and put her hands on her round hips. “What is so funny over here, Alex?”
Clift’s eyes moved between Alex’s and Lily’s. When he grinned evilly Clift knew he was going to tell her. In an early response he slowly began backing away from Lily. Shade made absolutely no attempt to stop laughing. Alex’s voice changed to say “Clift wants Shade to teach him to fight. Shade said you were a good teacher, but Clift is more afraid of you than he is of Shade.”
Marlin burst into laughter and Lily grew a menacing smile. “Really? He’s more afraid of me huh? Oh…Cliiiiift!” She drew his name out.
She slowly turned to see him trying to escape. She lurched forward and began chasing after him. Clift neighed in both terror and laugher. He spun and began running around the camp with Lily hot on his hooves.
Everyone went to sleep on a good note.
Two nights later Shade was well enough to teach Clift how to stand up for himself. Shade would make slow and deliberate movements with his claws and it was Clift’s job to evade and counter. Shade’s movements were always straight forward. It wasn’t long until Clift learned how to use his rear hooves to kick or use his head and flanks like a club or ram. For the time being Shade went easy, until Clift’s confidence grew he’d hold back his true strength.
Lily, Marlin and Alex stood back to watch the demonstrations. They were impressed at how the two fought and everyone could see a slow change happening within Clift. He was beginning to realize his potential and become calmer and more focused. It would still take more than one session for Clift to shake his nature, but he was taking his first steps to becoming something more.
As they traveled along the same trail they came across a man made road that cut through the woods. Marlin told the rest to wait in the thicket as he checked it out. Once he came back he said it is well traveled. Shade looked at Clift and said “We can travel the path, but I’ll need to travel within my shadow, if we’re to achieve good time. May I travel under you so we can continue?” Clift gave him a courteous nod.
After Shade dove into his shadow he moved under Clift. Marlin rode on Clift and Lily walked by Alex’s side. The road was traveled by many and the most recent print looked less than an hour old. The road had a canopy from the trees, that grew thickly along the border. There was a breeze, and with most of the sun blocked, it made the journey more than pleasant. The road had many bends in it, but went mainly north.
Within several minutes a sound came from someone approaching. This would be the very first person they’ve come across since rescuing Lily. They slowed their walk and watched the bend in the road for the person.
Soon a middle aged woman riding a horse trotted around the corner and spotted them. She was well fed and judging by her attire, wealthy. Her steed was well groomed and older than Clift. The woman’s eyes glided over The Pack as they approached each other.
With a raised hand from both sides in greeting they stopped. She glided her steed to a halt several paces away. “Good afternoon. Might I ask how far away we are from Point Lake?” Lily asked.
“Certainly,” She pointed over her shoulder. “You are but an hour away from Greeton. Follow this path and all of you will come upon the fishing town. Now I must be off. Good day to you all.” She kicked her steed in the ribs and it trotted around them, without saying a word.
When they were alone again Shade lifted his head out of his Shadow as Alex explained how close they were. He then dived back down and followed.
As they journeyed Lily asked “What are we to do about transport? We have not but several copper left and that will not even allow one of us to be transported the distance we need to travel.”
He bumped his shoulder into hers, playfully. She turned her head to see him smiling. “Do not worry too much. If we must, we will work for money. It would take us a minimum of four months to reach our destination, if we were to travel on foot. You were right in saying that we should travel by boat.”
She then bumped his shoulder back and smiled. Her full lips and kind expression made Alex’s heart race. She truly is a beautiful woman.
They eventually came across the bustling town of Greeton which was slightly larger than the market of Alex’s home island. There were many people selling fish and produce. Some sold clothing, soaps, jewelry, shoes, supplies and other things one might want or need. It was almost four hours till nightfall and their travels have been long.
“What’s first, Alex?” Marlin asked after Clift stopped at Alex’s side.
He looked up into Marlin’s blue eyes and said “We meet back here after dark. Lily is with me and the others will travel with you. Ask how much it will take to travel and also ask if there are any available jobs. Maybe they are hiring deckhands and we could work for safe passage. We’ll do the same.” After explaining it to Marlin Alex dropped his tone and told Shade and Clift the same. He also told them to keep an eye out for danger.
Marlin and the others turned down a street as Alex and Lily made their way inside the town. Shade didn’t deviate from Clift’s shadow, but he knew Shade wanted to stick with him. Soon the trio disappeared into the crowd.
Lily glanced at Alex and smiled softly. “So why did we split up? Shouldn’t we remain together?”
“I just wanted to spend time with you. Is there a problem with that?” Her amethyst eyes widened and her features began to slightly redden. “Oh come on. This is the first time we’ve been by ourselves since we first met. We’ve never done anything without the others close by.”
She looked down at her leathered feet, suddenly embarrassed. Did I just make her blush? Alex asked himself. Lily cleared her throat and looked forward. “Since we’re here, we should get started on finding transport
ation.”
A young lady selling beautiful flowers was easy enough to get information from. She had a pair of scissors for an item and she was using it to trim the stems of her flowers. “Excuse me. Which way will lead us to the harbor?”
“You need to head down that…” She gave quick and simple instructions.
Lily waited right where she was until he came back. They then walked down the main street together and took several turns down the streets the lady explained. Soon they reached the docks.
The docks reminded Alex of his home island and a hunger to return home gnawed at his insides. The water before them might have been a lake, but it looked more like an ocean. All that could be seen was water more water, stretching across the northern horizon. The air was clean and fresh, but didn’t have a single hint of salt. The lake was pure freshwater, but with the vegetation, it made the water have a brown tint. Several sailboats were docked nearby, but none of them were half the size of the Falcon. There were several transportation ships, but most were two or three person vessels. The waters waves were lapping against the bank and the docks torches were beginning to be lit for the coming night.
Lily and Alex began searching for any captains who had access to carry multiple passengers, but all they were given were scornful looks or getting laughed at. All they asked was how much it would take to get across the lake, but they only saw two people with no money and in worn traveler’s clothes.
They passed a group of men working on a large fishing net and only a few of the bearded men glanced up at them. Then there was a desk on the dock where several people were cleaning their catch. It was then that Alex felt the sensation of being followed.
Then there was one captain who was scum. He was remarkably tall, but a real slob who takes advantage of others misfortunes. He said he’d allow Lily aboard, but only as a bedmate. She looked at Alex to see what he’d say, but then the man rested a meaty hand on her shoulder. Big mistake. Before Alex could react, she grabbed his wrist and spun. She used his height against him as she flipped him into the water below. Though Lily was taller than most men they usually think women are weak, but she loved putting them in their place. As the captain resurfaced and splashed, she brushed off her shoulder like she was brushing his filth away. She stormed off and Alex quickly caught up with her. The man began cursing them as they traveled away. It felt good to do that, Lily thought, but she didn’t know how proud Alex felt for what she did.
They left the docks once night fell, but on their way back they stumbled upon a squad of Royal Guards. The squad headed in their direction. The crowd had mostly left, but there were a few stragglers.
They walked casually and then Alex became shocked when Lily moved closer to his side. She wound her right arm through his left. She didn’t honestly realize how much larger he was since their first meeting. She was amazed how firm his muscles were, under his tunic’s sleeves. Lily wondered many things from then on and some almost made her blush like a young maiden. I’m a level five warrior! She berated herself. I cannot think of him like this. I’m a warrior first and foremost! But then she thought; What would I do if I wasn’t a warrior? Could we… Then his smell of musky earth and grass made her forget her internal debate. She needed to focus and not allow him to think the way she was.
What she was up to was soon figured out in Alex’s mind. The same electric sensation flowed from her touch again. The staff was firmly gripped in his right hand and he about stopped from her touch. She then quickly whispered in a hushed tone “Keep moving, Alex. We need to look like a young couple traveling the night. We cannot afford to get caught by the squad. Just follow my lead.”
Her eyes were set straight ahead. She was serious and they needed to get back to the others. As she walked, he did too. If they were recognized and caught by the enemy there would be blood. The Guard’s blood,
It was a tense time, but he was too elated by how she held him. Her smell of a clean sea breeze washed away the town’s smell. Her hold on Alex felt genuine, but it was just his imagination; most likely. It would feel nice just for us to walk like this without any pressure, but this will most likely never happen again. He surmised disappointedly.
It didn’t mean that he wasn’t enjoying every moment they were connected.
She sighed as the five guards slowly walked by them and around the next corner, but she didn’t let go of his arm until she knew they were safe, beyond sight and alone.
They continued walking down the torch lit streets for twenty more minutes, until they thought it safe enough to increase their walk and separate.
They turned a street corner and kept walking. This road was empty.
But Alex still felt like they were bring watched.
Then there was a voice several minutes later, behind the two of them saying “How about the two of you turn around.”
Chapter 15
Both of their backs stiffened as they abruptly stopped from the sound of the deep, commanding voice.
Lily looked to Alex from under long pallid lashes as her left hand went down to the handle of her rectangular sword. Alex tightened her wrapped arm to his ribs and shook his head almost unnoticeably. He on the other hand tightened his grip on the staff as Lily reluctantly removed her hand from the short sword. She was putting her trust in him and that is difficult for her. She would rather cut first and ask questions later. She liked being in control of the situation, every situation, but her unique methods were still an option if things went sour.
Slowly turning around, Alex stepped back and Lily stepped forward to spin and face the voice. As they spun they realized it wasn’t the guard who called to them but actually a middle aged man in his early fifties. She looked at Alex approvingly and smiled because she would have killed an innocent person. She squeezed his arm in return, but didn’t let go. She instead moved slightly closer to appear they cared for each other. It made his heart race because his feelings were genuine, even if she was only acting.
The man before them wore a worn out brown tunic and pants. There was something oddly shaped, bulging from his pants pocket, but no weapon other than a small knife in his boot threatened them. Recognition hit the lad from one of the bearded men they passed earlier, who was working on a fishing net down at the docks. His beard reached a broad breast and he was used to hard labor for his physique exuded that fact. He had a large barreled chest and even larger legs. He stood a cautious fifteen paces away, with his arms crossed over his chest. Dark brown eyes carefully scrutinized the pair.
Alex smiled at the man and made sure they were alone with a swift scan of the dark streets; they were. “Is there something we can help you with, good sir?”
His voice was husky. “Maybe,”
“Does this have any reason to do with you following us from the docks?” Lily stiffened slightly, not realizing they were being followed for so long.
The man broke into a grin. “That it does.” Then he looked around the surrounding as well before speaking casually. His stance didn’t relax though. “Is it just you two or are there more?”
Lily then spoke. “It depends on what you are after from us.”
“Well said young lady. I’ve been following the two of you ever since I saw those special rings you are both wearing properly.” Alex’s fist tightened even more on the staff and Lily’s hand slowly came to rest on the hilt of her sword once again. “Easy now, there is no need to be frightened of me. Let me show you why.” He uncrossed his large arms to reveal scarred and calloused hands. On his right index finger was a single silver ring with an engraved leaf. “As you can plainly see I’m one of the good guys.” He then slightly relaxed his posture. “I’ve heard that you have need to cross the lake and I’ve got your solution to cross it. I’ll help, but I’ll need some help in return. By the way, I’m Kallel.”
“Just because you have the ring doesn’t mean all that much to me.” Alex stated casually and Kallel grinned with cryptic respect. “Answer me this one question. In Trade City, who is the very fi
rst person one must meet to get the approval to join?”
“Ah, you are one who mistrusts. That is a good quality to have. It will keep your head on your shoulders that much longer. Very well, Lad. The answer is Takka. Only he can give permission for the first step of the journey in that location. There are others, of course, but not within Nicronane’s mightiest city.”
Alex looked at Lily and nodded, he was indeed correct. Lily understood the look he gave her; Kallel was a friend, maybe. She unwove her arm from his, but now he wanted the connection back. She stood completely straight while still grasping her items. She spoke clearly to Kallel. “We will be glad to help if it means making more progress in our journey. Aye, there are three others who are with us, but some of our companions might…frighten you.”
“All the same, I must meet who I’m to travel with.”
“Alright Kallel, follow me.” Alex looked at Lily. “You take the rear.”
Casually Alex walked silently down the street, Kallel followed his steps cautiously, and Lily took the back. If the man were to do anything against Alex he could trust Lily to strike the man down before he stepped one hair out of line.
They passed through Greeton without any danger and they soon spotted Clift grazing on some grass and Marlin lounging on the side of the road. Since it was so dark, Marlin couldn’t see them all that well. He saw three bodies walking towards him and he stood, cane at the ready. “Alex, is that you?” He sighed in relief once he found out that it was his friend and Lily and they had a visitor. “Thank goodness. I couldn’t get anywhere while scouring the town. Not a single person wanted to help nor were there any available jobs as deckhands or anything closely resembling honest work. I hope you found better luck.”
“I did. Marlin, this is Kallel.”
Kallel and Marlin grasped the other’s wrist. They exchanged greetings and then Kallel asked the group “So who else is there? You said there were two more.”
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 31