Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  “I don’t know, because of everything that has happened lately,” Thad replied nervously, wondering if he was just being paranoid.

  “Well there are lots of boys in this world. I’m sure it had nothing to do with you. Besides if they were after you, they would be in for a good butt whooping!” Mathias replied trying to get Thad to forget about the conversation.

  “I suppose,” Thad mumbled not entirely convinced.

  Even though Thad had disobeyed Mathias’ orders, his disobedience might have gathered them an important piece of information.

  As dusk grew to darkness, Mathias finally touched down. He led Thad to their camp hidden in the shadows of three massive dunes. Thad was surprised to see Leath and Zyphera covered in bloody bandages. He was even more surprised to see they were snuggling and holding hands.

  “Are they aware they are holding each others hands, or is it just a sleep thing?” Thad asked. “And what happened to them in the first place?” he wondered.

  “They were ambushed shortly after you and I left them in the city.” Mathias replied casually as not to alarm Thad. “Apparently their little brush with death forced Zyphera to confront her long suppressed feelings for him and Leath to admit her alien form still turns him on,” He said giving Thad a wink.

  Thad giggled, forgetting about the uneasiness trying to creep into his mind. “You mean we no longer have to deal with their constant bickering,” He said quietly as he looked over her wounds.

  “They haven’t just held hands either,” Mathias stated, eyes gleaming mischievously.

  “They didn’t,” Thad’s voice suddenly rose as his face cracked a wide grin.

  “Oh they did,” Mathias said trying hard to hold back his laughter.

  “They kissed right in front of you.” Thad scrunched his face up in disgust.

  “They acted as if they were the only two people out here,” Mathias answered, exaggerating slightly.

  “It’s going to be a long mushy trip isn’t it,” Thad groaned.

  “Just imagine what it’s going to be like when we get home,” Mathias added giving Thad something to think about.

  Thad’s face turned into a mask of terror. “Oh the horror,” He exclaimed burying his face in his hands. “I’m too young to witness such appalling behavior.”

  Mathias burst into fits of laughter.

  Slowly Zyphera registered the sound of voices chattering. They seemed to be miles away. She gradually opened one eye to see what was going on.

  “Well hey there sleepy head.” She looked up and saw two large blue eyes staring down at her. “So, I hear you kissed Leath.” Thad added giggling.

  Zyphera lifted her arm to grab Thad. He was too quick and dodged her.

  “You little rascal,” she grinned, “You better watch out cause when I get you, I am going to make you name thirty chocolate bars,” She threatened, making a feeble attempt to stand.

  Thad scooted over to help her, his face serious. “Are you going to be okay?” His asked full of concern.

  Zyphera looked him in the eyes. “I’ve lived through worse.” she reassured him. “Now how about you name me thirty chocolate bars!!” she said grabbing Thad around the waist and pinning him to the ground.

  “Hey I thought you were injured,” Thad whined playfully.

  Waves of laughter entwined with names of chocolate bars washed over the camp as

  Zyphera and Thad playfully attacked each other.

  “What in tarnation is with all the racket?” Leath mumbled, struggling to hold his head up.

  Thad looked up and immediately started to sing “Leath and Zyphera sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage……..”

  The song faded into giggling as Zyphera inflicted another round of tickle torture. Leath lay there with a smile, “Well, I am glad to see he is concerned with our well being. Ungrateful little rodent,” he said grinning from ear to ear.

  “How are you feeling?” Mathias asked now that Leath was awake.

  “Like something bigger than an arrow hit me.” Leath stated touching his side. “What did you do dig the arrow out?” he asked wincing.

  “Actually we kind of had too,” Mathias replied giving him an apologetic look.

  “Pardon,” Leath gasped. “Care to explain why?”

  “Well when the arrow entered you it hit your ribcage and shattered. There were many pieces we needed to retrieve.”

  “You say that like you were playing fetch,” Leath grumbled.

  “Anyways you are lucky. They only severed a few minor veins and left only small lacerations on your surrounding organs,” Mathias said cheerfully.

  “Yes very lucky,” he said with a fake smile as he tried to sit up. “Anyway, how far behind does this put us?” He asked, giving up trying to maneuver into a sitting position.

  “Well actually we won’t be losing much ground,” Mathias replied

  “Really?” Leath replied skeptically “How ya figure that?”

  “How do you figure you made it out of the city alive?” Mathias asked.

  “To tell you the truth, I haven’t given it much thought. I am just happy to be alive,” he said grinning.

  “Well, one of my good friends has been sent to “keep on eye” on me and he arrived in time to witness the attack and rendered his assistance.”

  “That is what I call timing,” Leath exclaimed.

  Mathias continued. “Anyway, he’s volunteered to gather supplies. Once he returns and you two are in stable condition we will be on our way. I’ll be surprised if we lose more than a day.”

  “Well in that case….” Before he finished his sentence, Leath’s eyes closed and a loud snoring erupted from his mouth.

  Strength among Friends

  A days trek from the camp sat the small village of Rindgrod, built strictly as a supply and trade stop. The village had only seventy three residents living there year round. During the planting and harvesting seasons the numbers almost tripled. As Traiden sauntered down the only road to the village, he could see that preparations had already begun for the fall harvest season.

  The single street was lined with little market stalls full of produce, trinkets, and anything else you could possibly want or need. Traiden strode with purpose towards one at the far end of the market.

  “I thought I told you to never show your face around here again,” growled the man tending the stall.

  “What a rude way to greet a loyal customer,” Traiden scolded with a hint of humor. One thing he did love was being the itch under someone's skin.

  “You are no customer of mine, especially not a loyal one,” Spat the short stocky man.

  Traiden reached into his pocket and produced a piece of paper.“As soon as you gather everything on this list for me, I will be on my way and I promise you that I will never ever return as long as these lungs of mine draw air.” Drawing a deep breath and grinning.

  The short man grabbed the paper out of Traiden’s hand and glanced at the list of supplies “Grains, powdered milk, two cooking pots…..” He paused when his eyes fell on the next item. “What do yeah need that for?” He asked curiously

  “Don’t know,” Traiden replied. “This list is not for me, but for a friend, and what he wants to spend his money on is none of my business,” He stated simply.

  The little man glowered at him. “It should take me the better part of the morning to gather all this together for you. I will find yeah when it’s done.”

  Traiden gave the man a nod and headed off to the tavern to bide his time with a drink.

  The stocky man eyed Traiden as he sauntered away, making sure he entered the tavern before placing a closed sign in front of his stall and scurrying away.

  “I thought I told you not to bother me with anymore of your useless gripping Boris,” An irritated voice demanded moments later.

  “I know my lady, and I do apologize for this intrusion, but Traiden Arness has returned,” Boris stated his voice low as if trying to keep her from hear
ing.

  A heavy velvet curtain was roughly pulled back. The stocky little man coward before a regally clothed women with long raven hair and volatile chocolate eyes.“What did you say?” She demanded, her face twisted into a scowl.

  “He is back my Lady,” Boris repeated, careful not to meet her eye. “He is waiting for me at the Tavern.”

  “Apparently he did not understand the first time,” she said eyes flashing with anger. “Perhaps his memory needs to be refreshed,” She said as she gathered the hem of her large dress and marched towards the door. Before she exited she paused in the doorway and turned “Well get up you nit,” she snapped “my business won’t run itself.”

  “Yes my lady,” Boris stammered.

  “Oh, and gather the supplies Traiden asked for and then bring them to the tavern,” She added, shooing him out the door.

  Boris nodded his head before rushing to fulfill her orders.

  She stood in the doorway a moment longer staring down the road to where the tavern stood squished between two fat little storehouses. “Traiden, Traiden, Traiden,” She muttered “What am I going to do with you.” She drummed her fingers on her hip as she set off down the road.

  The tavern was filled to capacity. Traiden could barely squeeze through the crowd to get to the counter. “Hey Nat how about a cold one for an old friend,” Traiden called out, greeting the old bartender.

  “Well if it isn’t trouble itself,” the bartender replied returning the smile. “You’re usual I presume?” he asked with an eyebrow raised.

  “You presume right,” Traiden nodded.

  Nat placed the glass he was cleaning down and pulled a large mug from one of his shelves. He filled a quarter of the mug with last spring’s sweet cherry juice before filling it with a deep amber liquid.

  “Thank you kindly,” Traiden said placing a bill in the bartender’s hand.

  Nat placed the bill in the cash drawer and eyed Traiden curiously, wondering why he was back. But he knew better then to stick his nose in business that wasn’t his.

  Traiden leaned back in his chair enjoying the frosty pint of hops, when a sultry women’s voice broke his aimless train of thought.“Well look what the ugly desert dogs dragged in.” She spoke slow, letting her drawl come through.

  Traiden halted the movement of table to lips with the beer stein, and slowly turned on his stool. Before he was half way around, a powerful hand slapped him across his cheek knocking him to the floor.

  Holding his face he looked up at the culprit. “Hello Fanelynn,” he grimaced. She was the one person he was hoping to avoid on his errand in town.

  “I thought I told you to never show your face around here again,” she seethed. Her cheeks flamed and her fist remained clenched.

  “Oh, well I am not really here, you see I have been sent here by a friend and…..” She didn’t let him finish.

  “You are a fool for coming here,” she said bending over him. “I figured you were smart enough to stay away, but apparently I over estimated the amount of brains you carry in that hairy little head of yours,” She said patting his face. “Now you have five seconds to get up and march your skinny little butt out of this village, and this time,” She said bringing her face close to his and poking him in the chest, “You better not return. I may not be so forgiving next time.” She gave him a wicked smile and walked out the door.

  “Well mate,” Nat said helping him up, “you better do as she says.” He suggested brushing him off. “By the way, Boris gathered your supplies, they're out back,” He pointed over his shoulder.

  “Thanks Nathaniel,” Traiden said giving the barman’s hand a shake. “That’s what I get for messing with the village sheriff,” He added with a big grin on his face. “See you next year,” he grinned, giving Nathaniel a mock salute before exiting the tavern’s back door.

  Nathaniel shook his head as Traiden disappeared out the door, “What a putts.”

  The back door opened onto one of the village’s many fields planted with different kinds of grains and produce. The fields looked like a rainbow had fallen from the sky and splattered all over the ground. He was admiring the wonderful colors shimmering in the fields when his view was filled with Boris’s fat face.

  “You’re lucky she didn’t skin you alive,” Boris mumbled skittishly.

  “I wonder who I have to thank for that,” Traiden snorted, giving him a dirty look.

  Boris averted his eyes. “Everything you asked for,” he said handing over the reigns of the two horses that were packed with supplies.

  “What?” Traiden asked as Boris stood there staring at him.

  “Umm there is the small issue of my payment,” Boris answered holding out his hand.

  Traiden rolled his eyes handing him a small leather bag. Boris opened it and emptied the contents into his hand. Two orange stones and one blue rolled out onto his palm.

  “I trust this will be sufficient payment,” Traiden replied.

  Boris nodded his head. He rolled each stone around in his hand. Without looking up, he gave a wave and headed back to his stall.

  Traiden quickly double checked the list making sure everything was there. Grabbing the reigns he mounted one of the horses and tied the other to the saddle before beginning his journey back.

  At the camp, Zyphera and Leath were recovering well. Leath was far from being the nimble warrior (self proclaimed title) he was before and would require many hours of physical therapy. Zyphera on the other hand, was back on her feet. The only hint of injury was the slight limp and large bruise on her upper arm. She’d already begun sparring with Mathias and repeatedly kicked his butt.

  Thad was amazed how despite the obvious size difference, Zyphera took Mathias down with great ease. After Zyphera had defeated him seven times Mathias called it quits.

  “I was kind of hoping that with your injury I might stand a chance, but I see that is not the case,” Mathias grumbled, breathing heavy.

  “Don’t feel so bad. My size is a great advantage for me. Less mass I have to maneuver,” Zyphera replied, demonstrating her point.

  “Are you calling me fat?” Mathias asked, his olive colored face down cast.

  “You’re such a girl,” Zyphera said rolling her eyes as she sauntered over to her next victim.

  Thad and Mathias watched by fire light as Leath worked through a round of physical therapy Zyphera designed to aid in his recovery.

  “Well I am beat,” Mathias announcedd fluffing up the blanket beside him. “I am going to bed. I will see you bright and early in the morning,” He informed Thad before laying his head down on the makeshift pillow and drifting off to sleep.

  Thad gathered his blankets and lay down under the stars. He stared up at the twinkling bodies dancing across the sky. He lay there wide awake wondering where his Grandfather might be and if he was okay. He reached into his bag and pulled out his favorite picture. One of him and his Grandfather reading beside the old brick fire place in his Grandfather’s study. He held the picture close to his heart.

  “Please keep my Grandfather safe and give him the strength he needs to survive,” He prayed. He closed his eyes and drifted off into a restless sleep.

  “Thaddeus, you must listen carefully. NO matter what the cost, you must protect the door. Do you understand me?” His Grandfather asked grasping Thad by the shoulders.

  “I understand Grandfather,” Thad nodded. Tears streamed down his dirty face. “Please don’t leave me,” He begged, sobbing as he tried to hold onto his best friend. “Don’t leave me,” he begged falling to the ground as his Grandfather disappeared from sight.

  “Thad, Thad. Wake up. Wake up.”

  Thad woke to find three sets of very concerned eyes staring down at him. “What is going on?” He asked feeling highly unsettled.

  “You were screaming in your sleep,” Zyphera answered looking concerned.

  "I was?" Thad asked feeling slightly embaressed.

  “Are you alright?” Leath asked.

  “I think so
,” Thad replied wiping his nose, relieved it was just a nightmare. “I was having a dream about my Grandfather,” he explained, wiping a stray tear off his cheek. He sat up letting the blanket fall to his lap. The cool night air chased goose bumps up his arms.

  “He’ll be alright. You’ll see,” Zyphera said encouragingly. She wrapped her arms tightly around him.

  “She’s right. Your Grandfather may be an old man, but he’s as tough as they come,” Leath chipped in reassuringly. “Trust me on that,” he added cracking a small smile, “I’ve had a few run-ins with his flying fists of fury,” Leath stated.