“What—?”
She quickly covered Anitra’s mouth and pulled her back, before the broodmates noticed them standing in the doorway.
“Shhh,” Cygne mouthed, then released Anitra.
Her friend nodded, and they listened at the crack in the door.
“Sorry. I’m just getting sick of Hissen running his mouth,” Brutto growled. “He might be a decent tracker, but do you think anyone’s going to believe we just happened upon so many ptarmigan in the south woods?”
“They’ll see us take them down.” Velifico shrugged.
Anitra pulled Cygne away from the door.
“They’re planning on cheating,” Anitra whispered. “I need to report this to the Matrons and Drakes.”
“Wait,” Cygne hissed. “Calesse is one of the Matrons. Didn’t she already sway the others into giving her son this chance?”
“Probably.”
“Then do you honestly think they’ll believe us? I’m sure Velifico will deny it, and call his hunters off. We’ll look like liars.”
“And he’ll probably figure out we reported him,” Anitra fretted. “So, what are we going to do?”
“I don’t know yet. But once first-meal is over, stick with me. We’ll figure out something.” Cygne bit her lip.
15
Let the Games Begin
“My life is a lovely story, happy and full of incident.” Hans Christian Andersen
* * *
Cygne was pulled in a dozen directions as she proceeded out of the Atelier with the other candidates. Her heart soared as she thought about the message tucked close to her heart. But her excitement was tempered by what she’d learned from Velifico.
When Cygne passed beneath a massive stone arch and emerged into the dawning day, she was pulled from her thoughts. She gaped in awe as she stared at Olor. The mountain range reminded her of her valley as the sun broke over the misty peaks. Olor wasn’t blanketed in a lush jungle, like Braccio. It was rocky and temperate. Cygne glanced back at her broodmates’ home, and her breath burst out in a gasp. The Atelier was a small city, with level upon level stacked on itself. But the immense edifice wasn’t the most shocking sight. Cygne peered over the ledge, as the candidates launched themselves off the sprawling cobblestone veranda. The palatial structure was hovering in the air, like one of the mountains had been uprooted, striving to be a cloud.
How in the world is it held up?
Cygne leapt off the balcony and joined the group. They veered around a large metropolis nestled into the mountain range. Hundreds of stony spires reached upward. She laughed into the wind, her hair whipping about, as she rocketed past the towering monuments.
“These are all barrows.” Cygne waved at a fledgling peering out a window when she passed by another tower.
“Yes,” Anitra replied. “This is Ales, the prime city.”
“I’ve never seen anything so large.” Ales made Coutil look like a single paltry barrow.
“That’s where we’re heading.” Anitra pointed at the enormous park nestled in the middle of the city. “The poachers are at the opposite end from the coliseum.”
As they closed in, Cygne studied the southern end of the massive park, looking for places the hunters might be hiding. If she understood correctly, the poachers were trapping as many ptarmigan as they could for Velifico and his broodmates. Brutto was right. The notion they’d flush out so many gamebirds there was unlikely. The southern end of the park was wooded, and ptarmigan preferred grassy fields. But the trees and rocky vales did offer cover for cheaters looking to evade discovery. The question was, where in the vast preserve were they?
Cygne landed in the coliseum with the other candidates, and a cheer rose up from the countless spectators. She cringed at the deafening roar as she took her place in line, and they were paraded to a balcony extending over the playing field.
“Legion citizens, welcome to the Courting Ceremonies,” Nicht spoke, once the stadium quieted, his image broadcast on a colossal midair projection that suddenly appeared out of nothing. “I present to you, our candidates, one of whom will be our future Gallina.” The crowd cheered again as Nicht listed the candidates by name. “Now, I present my son, Kaede, and my nephew, Velifico, along with their broodmates. The team which takes down the most ptarmigan will be our winner. Good luck and good hunting.”
Cygne’s heart leapt in her chest when her broodmates appeared larger than life. They’d changed into their green hunting gear, and were unbelievably sexy, standing there proud and tall, wings arched high. Cygne ran her hand over the bodice of her dress where she kept their note. Her heart beat staccato in her chest. She desperately wanted just a minute with them. Except that wasn’t on the agenda—not yet.
“What are we going to do?” Anitra leaned in from the back row.
“I’m going to go find the hunters,” she whispered back.
“How? We’re supposed to be watching.” Anitra pointed to the projection. The image had shifted. It was now following both sets of broodmates as they left the stadium.
“Anitra, I don’t feel well,” Cygne announced so everyone could hear, and stood.
“Oh, let me help you.” Anitra followed her off the balcony. “What’s your plan?” she questioned under her breath as they made their way through the stands.
“I need someplace private.”
Cygne glanced around when they entered the corridor, then headed for the upper levels of the coliseum. The spectators milling around all bowed as they passed.
“They recognize you from the display screen,” Anitra commented.
Cygne groaned. That was another reason she needed privacy. It was best if no one saw her leave the coliseum. She headed for the open roof, found an out of the way corner, then started stripping off her gown.
“What are you doing now?”
“I can’t go hunting wearing this. Do you think I can use your hair tie?” Cygne was grateful she was wearing undergarments beneath her fancy gown.
“Hunting?!” Anitra’s mouth hung open as she passed Cygne the ribbon with trembling fingers.
“Yes, and I’m good at it. I’ll be back as soon as I find the people I’m looking for.” She bound her hair up. “Just leave my gown here.”
“What should I say?”
“Tell them I went to lay down or something.” Cygne stepped to the edge of the roof.
“Wait. Take this.” Anitra handed over her data-pad, and Cygne strapped it on. “I’ll contact you if something comes up.”
Cygne looked at the screen and smiled, seeing Anitra tuned it in to watch the competition. She had a perfect view of where both sets of broodmates were on the split screen.
“This is great. Thank you.”
Cygne leapt off the roof. She soared down the edifice, then shot into the nearby tree line, and alighted on the highest branch that looked over the treetops. She saw several large stands of trees and rocky outcroppings at the far end of the preserve.
Where are you?
From what she could tell, Velifico was heading south, like she heard him say. But his team wasn’t far enough from the stadium to pinpoint their goal yet.
It’s going to take too long to locate the hunters in such a large area.
Her best option was to follow Velifico. A grin suddenly split Cygne’s face. It wasn’t guaranteed she’d find the poachers, but she could help tip the scales in the interim.
Cygne flew between the growth. The forest wasn’t as thick as the jungles of Braccio. She couldn’t hide behind a single leaf, or most of the tree trunks. But that didn’t mean she was without cover. Cygne landed next to a stream, then flopped down in the mud.
“Ugh, it’s cold.” I’ve grown spoiled with the hot baths, she bemoaned as she rolled in the mud, covering herself from head to toe.
As much as Cygne wanted to find her broodmates, she headed straight for Velifico’s team, collecting leaves and grass to add to her muddy guise on the way. For her plan to work, she needed to get close, without bein
g captured by the broadcast. She glanced at the screen strapped to her arm as she closed in. On Braccio, she was good at tracking and sneaking up on game. Hissen prided himself in the same. She had to keep a keen eye on him.
She caught up to Velifico and his broodmates as they quietly moved across a field. Cygne spotted their goal; a small flock of birds, pecking and scratching amidst the high grass. She had to do something, before they were within range of the prey. Cygne crept behind a thick stand of brush, lifted her head, and howled into the air.
“Hawrooo. Ha-ha-hawrooo.” That’s it. She smiled when the prey took to the air.
“Cursed canis,” Velifico bellowed, as his broodmates took aim and fired upon the fleeing ptarmigan.
The morning wore on, and Cygne was forced to let the males takedown some of their quarry, otherwise it would look suspicious. She was also running out of tricks to frighten off the prey. Frustratingly, the broodmates didn’t slip, keeping quiet about their goal, since every word and move was being broadcast to the Legion citizens. She hoped they’d squabble at least once, to give her a clue.
I have to find those poachers, otherwise, I’m the only one cheating here.
The broodmates stayed on a steady course, moving from one grassy meadow to the next, toward the southwest. Cygne broke off from the group when the forest grew thicker. It was getting close to the deadline; the sun was reaching its zenith. They had to be getting closer to the rendezvous point. She ascended into the trees, and looked around again. There was one more small glade, roughly a spatium away. Beyond it was a rocky rise.
That’s where I’d hide.
Cygne flew among the trees, careful not to rustle the canopy as she circled the ridge. She slowed and landed on a branch with a view. There were two poachers guarding a den in the rock, with the ptarmigan penned inside. A lookout was stationed on the rise, keeping watch for Velifico’s team or anyone who might show up, like her.
Now what? Cygne glanced at the data-pad. The repugnant broodmates were making progress toward the meadow. She had to act soon. I should’ve asked Anitra how to use this thing, to make it record or something. Capturing proof would’ve been nice.
Her heart sped up as she stared at the scene. She really needed more time to plan. Cygne hadn’t thought through what she’d do once she found the rogue hunters. She didn’t even have sense enough to find a blade for this adventure. She just knew she needed to do something.
“I went off again without thinking,” she murmured and shook her head.
Cygne stared at her broodmates on screen. They were excellent hunters, just like she expected. But with all the birds in the pen, their advantage would be lost. She couldn’t let them down.
“It’s time to start moving the game. Don’t forget to stay low to the ground. We release them a few at a time.” One of the poachers waved the lookout down.
They each grabbed four ptarmigan, then set out for the clearing, leaving the rest of the flock unattended. The moment they were out of sight, she descended and crept toward the den. She glanced at the screen in time to see Velifico ‘s team take down the handful of released prey. She swiftly opened the pen.
“Come on. Come on, little hens.”
She released the game, but they refused to leave. Cygne growled. The poachers had been feeding the ptarmigan, and left enough grain littered about to keep them happy for a while. She started flapping her arms and wings, till she heard the hunters returning. Cygne swiftly hid behind thick brush.
“Damro, you left the cursed pen open. You better be glad these stupid birds would rather get fat than take off.”
“I know I latched it.”
Do something before they get the birds back in the pen.
Cygne howled. Her call echoed loud off the rock, and the ptarmigan instantly scattered, flying every which way. While the hunters scrambled for the fleeing birds, she hustled to a nearby tree, and took cover amidst the branches overhead.
“What was that?” one of the poachers bellowed.
“A bad call. Someone’s here.”
Cygne groaned as she hugged the branch. She should’ve known proficient hunters would recognize her call wasn’t a native predator. Quietly she watched the poachers spread out and start checking the perimeter of their camp. She’d played this game with her siblings as a hatchling. Although they roughed her up and stole her kill when they eventually found her, Cygne had a feeling the results would be far worse this time. She slowed her breathing, and did her best to blend in, as one of the poachers searched below. Cygne sighed once he passed.
Ping.
The hunter quickly looked up when the data-pad chirped. She took off as fast as her pinions could carry her.
“Who is it?”
“I don’t know,” the second hunter replied as the trio gave chase.
Cygne wove her way between the trees. The growth didn’t offer as much cover as on Braccio, but it also made it easier to fly ever faster. This game of chase was another thing she’d gotten good at growing up. Cygne agilely dodged trunks and branches at the last minute, making it harder on her pursuers. She heard the sound of their wings beating the air. They weren’t just following her, they were trying to surround her.
Her lungs burned, and the cramp in her back was starting to take its toll. The monolithic coliseum was within view, but she was never going to make it in time. She was exhausted, but thankfully the hunters were just as tired.
Cygne whipped around another rocky outcropping and spotted the stream that cut through the park. It was her best option for refuge. She dove toward the water, before her pursuers closed the hard-earned lead. The water was cold as she broke the surface.
It’s not deep enough. There was no way she could hide here. So, don’t.
Quickly, she stripped out of her chemise, washed the mud off, then mustered her courage and rose from the water. It was just in time for the hunters to clear the tree line overhead. The three males pulled to a halt and hovered wide-eyed over the stream.
Cygne screamed in fright and wrapped herself in her pinions. She partially hid her face behind her wingtips, in case they’d seen the broadcast of her image, then ducked low in the water again.
“Sorry if we frightened you. Did you see anyone pass by here?” the blue-haired poacher asked as his eyes travelled up her body.
“No.” She shook her head.
“Thank you. Sorry for disturbing you.” The male cast her a broad smile, then took off with his companions.
Cygne sighed once the poachers were out of sight, relieved they believed her startled bather act. She fished her chemise from beneath the water and pulled it on.
“I guess I don’t need to figure out a way to clean up now.”
She nearly jumped out of her skin when the data-pad pinged again. Cygne swiped the screen and Anitra’s worried face appeared.
“Cygne, where are you? The hunt is almost over, and several Matrons have been asking about you.”
“I’ll be there soon.”
Cygne slowly flew back to the coliseum, so she didn’t appear to be in a rush if the hunters circled back and found her.
“I was so worried. I tried to contact you, but you didn’t answer,” Anitra fretted once Cygne landed on the stadium roof. “Here’s your gown. Why are you wet?”
“It’s a long story,” Cygne panted, while stripping off her damp underclothes, and quickly shimmying into her burgundy gown. Thankfully her hair and pinions dried on the flight back. “How’s the competition going?” She checked her bodice to assure her note was still tucked amidst the laces.
“The broodmates are on their way back to the stadium for the official count, but it appears Kaede’s team is ahead.”
“It worked then.” Cygne slumped in relief, finally giving in to her exhaustion.
“What happened?” Anitra captured Cygne in a hug, keeping her from collapsing on the roof.
“I found the poachers and managed to release most of the ptarmigan after they took the first bunch to the meadow. But
they discovered me, so I had to fly for it.”
“Oh, no. They saw you?”
“Sort of. I was covered in mud. I had a good lead and was able to make it to the stream in time. When the hunters caught up, I’d already washed off, and acted like a startled swimmer. I hid my face, so I don’t think they recognized me.”
“Oh my goodness. That’s crazy.” Anitra helped Cygne, with one arm around her back. “I can’t even fathom how you found them in the first place.”
“I told you, I’m a good hunter and am good at camouflaging myself.” She wondered why that was so hard for the Olor to believe.
“Cygne, you have to be the most unique female I’ve ever met.”
Anitra shook her head incredulously as they made their way back through the coliseum. The candidates and Matrons were getting up to leave when they reached the balcony.
“Cygne, you are just in time for the candidates’ portion of the games,” Calesse said, while looking at her critically.
Great. She was really hoping for a break.
“Are you feeling better?” Belni asked. “You look a little peaked.”
“I’ll be fine, thank you.” Cygne felt her flushed cheeks.
“Sorry you missed mid-meal. Do you need something to eat?” another Matron kindly inquired.
“No, but I appreciate the offer, Jovana.” She was hungry but doubted it would sit well in her stomach after her harrowing flight.
Cygne trailed the group as they headed down to the lowest level. The candidates changed into tight fitting, white leggings, and stretchy matching tops.
“The count is in,” the announcer bellowed, as the candidates were led onto the playing field stage. “Kaede’s team, twenty-seven ptarmigan. Velifico’s team, nineteen. And the hunt goes to Kaede, Akiva, Tynan, Meir and Severin,” the announcer said over the cheering crowd.
Anitra excitedly squeezed her shoulder. Cygne smiled as she looked across the stage to where the Drakes and Matrons were congratulating her broodmates. She was ecstatic, and grateful she was able to prevent Velifico from succeeding. Her brush with the poachers was worth it.
Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5) Page 14