Plague of Mybyncia

by C. G. Coppola

  “Zeed,” Warze nods.

  Zeed bows, stepping further into the circle as Walker whispers a few last words in Tucker’s ear. He leaves, heading back into the perimeter of Zingfinolds. Walker casts me a moment’s glance but looks away quickly, keeping focus on the three in the center.

  Warze has Zeed and Tucker face each other and in his booming voice once again, speaks so the entire tribe can hear. “Volunteer selected. Zeed win, Tucker die and others leave. Tucker win, second task must be complete,” Warze looks between the two of them. With a slight nod, he roars, “Duel is commence.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three: Three Tasks

  Zeed strikes just as Warze finishes.

  The blow hits Tucker square in his face, blinding him, and the tribesman takes the opportunity of distraction. Dropping to the ground, he swipes his leg so Tucker flips to his back. The young Zingfinold leaps, aiming to land on the Rogue Leader’s chest with his elbow, but Tucker rolls away just in time and the tribesman hits the ground. Both are back on their feet in seconds, a red stream dripping from Tucker’s nose.

  They circle each other for a moment before Zeed launches himself at the Rogue Leader again, attempting to strike with hard blows from the base of his palm. But Tucker blocks each attempt, gearing up to kick the tribesman in the stomach. Zeed dodges the hit and Tucker swipes at air. Swiftly, the Zingfinold flies behind the Rogue Leader and knocks him in the back with both fists so Tucker falls to his knees, gasping. The young tribesman moves in for the final hit but Tucker rolls away just as Zeed goes to ram him with his knee. Before Zeed is able to stop him, Tucker grabs his leg and tosses him to the ground. The young Zingfinold hits it with a hard smack and Tucker races over before he’s able to get up. Pinning him with both knees, the Rogue Leader clutches his throat in one hand while striking his face repeatedly with the other.

  I want to look away, but can’t. This young boy is getting pummeled and there is nothing I can do to stop it. After a bit, the tribesman stops fighting back and Tucker quickly ceases, his fist red with the Zingfinold’s blood. Releasing his hold on Zeed’s neck, he slowly backs to a stand. With the tribesman lying motionless at his feet, Tucker pelts Warze with a lethal glare.

  “Next.”

  “You no finished,” he eyes Zeed.

  “I’ve won the duel. I’m not going to kill him. It’s a useless death,” he exhales, wiping blood from his nose. “Now, what’s next?”

  Warze looks between Zeed and Tucker, then to Hozfin. The king offers a slight nod so Warze indicates the brown mountain on the other side of the clearing, past the herd of Zingfinolds and beyond the reappearance of trees. “Bring back Ludin bones.”

  Tucker takes off in a light jog and the thick perimeter of bodies break for him, everyone watching as he heads toward the mountain in the distance.

  “So what now?” I whisper to Able.

  “We stay and wait.”

  “Just… wait?”

  He nods. “He has to return with the bones.”

  “How long will that take?”

  “Well…” Able sort of shrugs, “depending on how quickly he can get through it… maybe a few hours?”

  “Really?” I bite my lip, watching Tucker fade into the distance.

  “Walker said it’s a pretty terrible terrain. Can’t see it from here but real rocky. Cliffs and stuff.”

  “Oh, he’ll be fine,” Walker approaches. He’s chewing on something, like a long grain of wheat that sticks out from the corner of his mouth. “Needs to take his time is all.”

  “How long did it take you?” I ask.

  “Two hours maybe?”

  “Was it really difficult?”

  “Well…” he kicks his feet. “It was either finish and come back or… die up there trying. Not too difficult when you put it in perspective.”

  “Weren’t you scared?” Mae appears.

  “Of dying? Yeah.”

  “Wow…” she shakes her head. “It must have been terrifying.”

  “It wasn’t so bad. Nothing’s trying to kill you up there. It’s the Horrop you got to worry about.”

  “What is it?”

  “A beast,” Walker says in a near whisper, his eyes lost on some image.

  “How’d you kill it?” I ask.

  “You don’t even know who you’re talking to, Fallon,” Walker winks. “I’ve got a thing or two up my sleeve.”

  “What’s going on?” an arm wraps around my hip and I look up to find Reid glaring at Walker across from me.

  “Just talking,” Walker chews on his strand of wheat, following my stare toward the mountain.

  “About what?”

  “How—what’s your name?” Mae blushes a deep crimson as she focuses on Walker. “Sorry… didn’t catch it.”

  “Heath. But uh…” his eyes flash to mine, “you can call me Walker.”

  “Walker,” she beams, turning to Reid. “Walker was telling us about how he completed the three tasks.”

  “That so?”

  “It is, yeah.”

  “He says the Horrop,” Able jumps in, hoping to dissolve the palpable tension, “is going to be the hardest.”

  “But you did it,” Reid glances over Walker. “Shouldn’t be too difficult.”

  He grins, tossing the wheat strand to the opposite corner of his mouth. “Oh it is—don’t be fooled. I made it look easy.”

  “I’m not worried. And uh…” he squeezes me tighter, “I don’t plan on getting fooled.”

  Walker’s grin vanishes. He looks between Mae and Able, then to Reid clutching me next to him. Tossing a look over his shoulder, he chews on the wheat strand. “I’m going to check on Zeed. He’s a good kid. Probably hurting right about now.”

  Able and Mae gesture a goodbye but Reid simply holds me next to him and we watch as Walker heads for the others that are helping peel Zeed off the ground. Once he’s made a good distance, Able turns to Reid.

  “He’s… he’s really not a bad guy.”

  “You’re going to defend him to me?”

  “No… just…” Able shrugs, kicking the ground. “I don’t know. He seems apologetic… he knows he messed up.”

  “And that should make it better?”

  “I’m just saying,” Able glances at me quickly, then back to Reid. “He’s not a terrible dude.”

  “I think he’s the worst kind of ‘dude,’” Reid shakes his head. He glances to the other Rogues before securing me with the Commander. “Can’t believe you, Able.”

  “Sorry, Boss. I just…”

  But Reid is storming off, making his way for Jace, Booker and Werzo. They welcome him into their gathering and he’s shaking his head again, his mouth going a mile a minute.

  “What was that all about?” Mae looks after him, nonplussed.

  “He’s really not a bad guy,” Able turns to me. “Just… dumb.”

  “That doesn’t make up for what he did.”

  “What’d he do?” Mae frowns.

  Able and I exchange glances. Who’s going to be the one to tell her? Finally Able inhales. “He uh… sort of screwed him over.”

  “How?” Mae glances to me, realization sweeping her face. “With a girl? Oh…” she looks after Walker, seeing him with new eyes, “that’s so sad. Were they good friends?”

  “No,” Able laughs, “not really. They knew each other but I wouldn’t call them friends.”

  “But he still…”

  “Yup,” Able nods as his eyes widen. “Multiple times.”

  “No wonder Reid’s so moody. Did he do that to his nose?”

  “Yep,” he laughs. “Last night before you came out of your faint-coma.”

  Mae glances over me, a second epiphany striking. “And he thinks Walker’s going to do it again?”

  “Hey,” Pratt runs up, focused on Mae. “Sampson wants to talk to you.”

  “Oh…” she glances between us, somewhat hesitant. “Guess I better go see what he wants.”

  The two take off for Sampson who is now join
ed by Clarence and Vix, leaving Able and I to ourselves. We stand in silence for a second—me leaning on him slightly—watching Walker joke with the Zingfinolds while Reid stands in his tight knit circle of Rogues. Another quiet moment passes before Able starts.

  “Honestly, I’m surprised all he did was punch him. All that rage built up… I was sure he would’ve gotten a couple more swings in,” he exhales with a heavy sigh. “Probably been wanting to do it for a while.”

  “Didn’t they like… already fight?”

  “No. Rox would’ve killed him.”

  “What?” I turn to him, flabbergasted. “So he never acknowledged it?”

  “Nope. Just got the news and refused to talk to either.”

  “Not even Ansley?”

  “Think he was afraid he’d do something. Not to her, but if she admitted to it…” he shrugs. “Probably would’ve killed Walker.”

  “And this was after Pratt told him?”

  “Yup. She told him, he asked us if it was true, which I can’t imagine was easy for him. We told him it was and he handed the Rogues over to Tucker. And he left.”

  “Where?”

  Able shrugs. “Just sort of disappeared for a while. I’d see him every now and again, at Lecture, but he was always hanging around Sampson. It was like he didn’t want to know the Rogues anymore.”

  “Probably embarrassed.”

  Able nods, staring off after Walker. “I know he hates him but I wish he’d give him a second chance.”

  “Would you?”

  He inhales, taking a long minute to consider. “Not sure.”

  “Why do you want Reid to forgive him so bad?”

  “It’s not that…” Able finally looks to me with genuine worry. “We’re all on the same side now, you know? We’ve got to join forces sooner or later.”

  “I don’t think Reid will ever join forces with him.”

  “Well, he’s got to play nice. Walker’s a legit tribesman and we need his help. He can’t keep threatening to kill him… and then pummel his face.”

  It makes sense. If we’re to have any chance of aligning ourselves with the Zingfinolds, there needs to be peace. Walker and Reid will have to put their differences behind them.

  I look to Reid still scowling in the group of Rogues. “I’ll talk to him.”

  “They either need to get along or stay away from one another,” Able says. “Quick.”

  “Maybe he just needed to get in one good punch?”

  “Unless he got a taste for it,” Able glances at me. “In which case, Walker will be dead by morning.”

  “No,” I shake my head. “If anything, Reid would’ve done it last night. I do notice he gets a tad moody when Walker’s near me. Maybe best to keep us apart too?”

  “Probably right,” he winks, “you work on Rox. I’ll take care of Walker.”

  “On it,” I limp toward the circle of Rogues while Able makes his way for Walker in the middle of the Zingfinolds. I’m not sure what to say—or even how to say what I need to. I’m not even sure Reid will be receptive to it, but I’ve got to try. The Rogues make room for me as I bump their leader on his hip. “Talk to you for a second?”

  “Sure…” he frowns slightly, glancing down to my leg. “You okay? Where’s Able?”

  “He’s…” I motion off toward the Zingfinolds, glancing back at the Rogues. “You guys don’t mind, do you?”

  “Take him, Fallon,” Jace smirks. “He’s yours.”

  “Come here,” Reid wraps his arm around my waist, pressing me against him. “I wish Able wouldn’t have left you. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” We walk for a minute, away from the Rogues and just beyond the perimeter of bodies still lining the clearing. “Do you need to sit down?” Reid glances around. “Or, if need be…” he swipes his free hand under my legs, scooping me up.

  “You don’t have to,” I struggle in his arms, but Reid refuses to put me down. “Reid.”

  “I like holding my girl,” he grins. “Now what’s up?”

  I take a breath as he leads us closer to the trees, “…It’s about Walker.”

  His face pales, “What about Walker?”

  Another breath. “I think you guys need to play nice.”

  “Why?” he winces.

  “Because—”

  “What did Able say?” Reid stops walking.

  “That we’re on the same team here. And I agree. He’s a tribesman and…”

  “So?”

  “We—”

  “Why should I play nice? He’s the asshole.”

  “You can put me down if you want.”

  “I don’t…” he closes his eyes with a sigh. “That doesn’t matter. Look, we’re not on the same team. We’re never going to be.”

  “But we are. We’re Arizals.”

  “He’s not an Arizal. I am.”

  “How can you say that?”

  Reid exhales, placing me on my feet next to a thick trunk. “Look,” he runs his hands down his face, “I can’t stand him, alright? And then to see him touch you? It takes everything I have not to put him in a coma.”

  “I know what he did—”

  “No,” Reid snaps, crossing his arms. “You don’t. He sleeps with my girl in my room when I’m out getting her food. And then, when Tucker confronted him, that bastard has the nerve to tell him it was my fault. That he couldn’t keep turning Ansley away when she wanted it so badly.”

  I bite my lip, my words caught in my throat.

  “So, excuse me if I’m not willing to dive into a new friendship with the asshole.”

  “Reid…” I try, heartbroken for him. “I’m sorry. I—”

  “Just forget it,” he runs his hands through his hair, backing up. “Look, we’ll talk later. I just need a minute, okay?” He’s already a few feet away when he calls over his shoulder, “I’ll send Jace to come get you.”

  But it’s Able who shows up a minute later, confusion marring his face. “Not good?”

  “Nope,” I shake my head, staring off to the distant mountain where Tucker is busily climbing away. “You?”

  “Walker doesn’t understand why he should have to stay away from you if you’re just friends. Says he hasn’t made a pass at you and that Rox is crazy.”

  Another long minute goes by before I ask the question that’s burning through my mind. “Do you think he wants to?”

  “What?”

  “Make a pass at me?”

  “Honestly?” Able shrugs, still looking off into the distance. “I think he doesn’t want to live in fear of Rox’s authority anymore. I think… this is a new time. And he wants to start fresh.”

  “Reid won’t have it.”

  “He doesn’t care. And he’ll still do what he wants,” he glances over me, considering, “but yeah, I think he does.”

  “What?”

  “Walker. I think he’s going to try and make a pass at you.”

  “To antagonize Reid?”

  “Because he wants to. Let’s just hope Rox isn’t around when he does,” Able sighs, backing up. “I’m going to go check in with the Rogues. You’ll be okay?”

  I nod and Able heads off. With his departure, I’m left alone with my thoughts. I’m not sure how long I’ve been here. Maybe an hour? Two? There’s no sign of Tucker and I wonder if they’ll send someone to look for him at some point. But maybe that’s not how it works. If he returns, then he’s allowed to fight the Horrop. If he doesn’t, then…is that it? No one goes looking for him? It’s over, and we’ll be forced to leave empty- handed. But how can we go back to Mybyncia without Tucker or the Nazual? Princess Ariana will be heartbroken. The thought grows a sickening knot in my stomach and I just can’t keep standing here, staring ahead to wait for Tucker’s return.

  A short walk will do the trick.

  I head for the nearest tree, trying out my right leg completely unassisted. It’s not terrible and the pain has mostly subsided so I move slowly, dragging my feet across the dirt. I try not to let my thoughts wan
der but they keep drifting back to the same place. What must it be like for Tucker? Is he hurt? Is he waiting for someone to come find him? He’s not just climbing a mountain—he’s doing it after receiving brutal blows to his torso, back and face. And with no supplies and no real preparation. The more I think about it, the worse his odds become.

  I’ve only been walking for a little bit when footsteps sound behind me. Spinning, I find Jace approaching with swift steps, a curious look on his face. “Whatcha’ you doing out here, Boss Lady?”

  “Where’s Reid?”

  “Eh…” Jace scratches the back of his head, “probably best to give him some space. Not in the greatest moods. But uh, they’ve spotted Rogue Leader returning.”

  “Yeah?”

  Jace nods. “They want all of us back at the clearing. Mind if I…?” he bends lower, indicating a request to carry me.

  “What?” I laugh. “No! I’m fine. I’ve been walking for a while now.”

  “Thought I’d offer. Boss would be upset if I didn’t,” Jace grins, linking his arm with mine. “Ready?”

  He escorts me back to the clearing where we meet up with the rest of the Rogues, Pratt and Mae. Reid is off with Sampson, Clarence and Vix, the four in deep conversation. Part of me wants to pull him aside and continue our conversation from earlier, but Jace said he needs space. Deciding he’s had enough, I nearly start for him when Reid shoots me a warning look. I stop instantly. A mixture of anger and guilt sweeps his face but he makes no indication of inviting me over.

  “So,” I force myself to look away, “Tucker’s on his way back?”

  “Yep,” Able points through the trees. “They saw him reach the ground a little while ago. He should be here any minute.”

  “And he has the bones?”

  “Looks like it.”

  “Where’s the Horrop?”

  “They’re probably bringing it around right now.”

  “And he doesn’t even get a rest?” Pratt whines. “That’s so unfair.”

  “Same thing with Walker,” Able shrugs. “But he’s got to do it. And he can.”

  “Yeah, but even Walker said this is the most challenging task. By now he’s probably exhausted. The last thing he needs to do is fight a—”