A Fugitive's Kiss

by Jaime Clevenger

  The memory of Darin’s body filled Aysha with a flush. Her intensity drew her in. Nothing was a game to her. The risk of even one night of sleep could cost her life and maybe that made her craving all the more strong. Aysha longed for the closeness she’d felt with Darin and wondered if she’d ever be with someone like her again.

  Birds awoke in the still darkness and began their chattering. Shawn stirred and Aysha pushed another cup of tea down her throat. She bent to touch Shawn’s forehead and felt cool skin. At dawn, Shawn moaned and startled Callan awake. He jumped to his feet and was at her side in a moment. Aysha put her hand on his arm.

  “The fever’s gone.”

  Callan touched Shawn’s forehead. He smiled at the new coolness. “I dreamt of losing her…She’s only here still thanks to you.”

  Part Two

  Chapter Ten

  “All done?”

  “Nearly. The hens and their new chicks are safe. The rooster’s gone. I think he lost the fight of his life but saved his hen house.”

  “The foxes are hungry with all this snow,” Shawn said. “I’m surprised they only got the rooster.”

  Aysha took the mug of hot tea Shawn handed her and sank down on the kitchen stool. The mug warmed some life back into her fingers. Shawn had a knack around the kitchen that Aysha and Ranik lacked. They had both been better fed and kept since she’d moved in. Aysha stretched her feet toward the kitchen stove, eager for the warmth. The late snowstorm was an unwelcome surprise. With the Spring Festival less than two weeks away, there was no talk in the village that didn’t begin with a complaint about the snow.

  Shawn set a plate of eggs and bread in front of Aysha and then sat down across from her. “Will the seedlings be saved?”

  “Probably not. I’m thankful Ranik dragged his heels with the oat field. At least we don’t have that worry as well.” Aysha had started an herb garden only a week ago, certain that any threat of frost was long past. Last night, fretting that she’d lose the whole garden, she’d taken their bedding out to lay over the seedlings. “But the snow isn’t the worst of it. It’s only getting colder as the wind picks up.”

  “We’ll have to sleep close again tonight.” Shawn rubbed her foot up Aysha’s leg. “I wasn’t cold at all with you on top of me.”

  “My bottom froze, but you kept the other parts warm.” Aysha smiled. They had tried to sleep without their wool blankets by stripping naked and laying clothes over them, but it hadn’t been enough. She’d climbed on Shawn mostly to stop her shivering, but they got little rest after that.

  Five months had passed since Shawn’s recovery. In that time, Aysha had nursed two dozen others through the Red Fever. Shawn’s had been the hardest fight. Aysha remained at her side for a full week, and for a month afterward Shawn stayed in bed, too weak to walk. In that time, something changed between them. There was a closeness that had never been there before.

  When she had the strength for it, Shawn sang songs, but most nights were passed quietly. They held hands and planned adventures to the sea. Neither spoke of the fights they’d had or of their breakup. It was as if it hadn’t happened at all.

  Still, many nights, Aysha dreamt of Darin. She couldn’t help where her mind went as she slept, but she’d never breathed a word to Shawn about it. Likely, she’d never see her again. A hunted fugitive wouldn’t turn back on her path.

  Shawn moved in after Winter Solstice. Callan had asked her to marry him but she’d turned him down. Then she’d asked Aysha if she could sleep in her bed again. At first, her presence had brightened the home. But since Solstice, Ranik’s moods had been difficult to predict. Aysha found him in tears once, holding a pearl that Jenner had worn. When she asked him about it, he threw the piece across the room and stormed out.

  After that, every bit of his frustration became directed at Shawn. He didn’t think she did her fair share of the work and complained about this daily while shirking many of his own duties in retaliation. Aysha offered to tell Shawn to move out. Ranik agreed that would be best, but then changed his mind. He talked of going to work on the river, but he never left.

  As if summoned by Aysha’s thoughts, Ranik appeared in the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. He sat down on the empty stool between the women and yawned. “Still snowing?”

  “No. But don’t hurry out there. It’s colder than yesterday and the wind is worse.”

  “I’m never in a hurry.” He reached over and picked up Aysha’s fork. “Not eating this morning?” He tore off a bit of the bread on her plate and then took a bite of the eggs. “Why is it, Aysha, that Shawn’s eggs are so much better than any you’ve ever made?”

  Shawn slapped his hand. “I would make you your own plate if you asked. Aysha takes her time eating, unlike some pigs I know.”

  “Let it be, you two.” Aysha shook her head. Ranik and Shawn fought all the time. Mostly it was over a minor issue such as who was going to empty the wash buckets, but it seemed something set one of them off every day.

  Shawn stood up and went for more bread. She placed the basket in front of Aysha and growled when Ranik reached for it. “Aren’t you expected somewhere?”

  “Helm has a list of tasks for me, yes.” Ranik finished the eggs and licked the fork clean. “But, again, I’m in no hurry. I’m sick of bundling up and still freezing every time I go outside. Anyway, this happens to be my home. Aren’t you expected somewhere, Shawn?”

  Aysha gave him a sharp look, but Shawn answered as if she didn’t care about the jab. “When I finish the work here, yes. The musicians are meeting today.”

  “Of course.” Ranik’s tone was biting. “And I suppose you’ll be there for the rest of the day and not able to help clear snow, gather wood, or do anything useful around here.”

  Aysha placed her hand on his knee. “Enough.”

  He stood up and grabbed his cloak and hat. “If you want me, I’ll be at Helm’s.”

  Shawn cursed when the door slammed behind him. Aysha held up her hand to stop the tirade she knew would come otherwise. “This is your home, too. Ignore what he said. By dinnertime, he’ll be back with an apology. He runs his mouth without thinking.”

  They finished their breakfast in silence and then Shawn gathered her drum and flute. Flute songs were the one thing Ranik and Shawn had in common and there had been a few lovely nights with the two of them playing together. On her way out, Shawn kissed Aysha on the cheek.

  Shawn was looking healthier with every day, Aysha thought. After the fever, her clothing had hung on her. But over the past month she’d regained all of her lovely curves. Her cheeks seemed fuller and her skin glowed with a light that made Aysha warm each morning. While Ranik grew more sullen, Shawn seemed happier. And she was caught in the middle—still silently longing for a fugitive she’d never see again.

  After washing the breakfast dishes, Aysha gathered the laundry and headed to the barn. In the winter, she cleared a space to wash their clothes between the two stalls so the heat from the horses kept her warm as she worked. She checked the empty corner behind the horse tack when she entered, as she did every time she came to the barn. Since the morning she’d found Darin, it had become habit to notice the emptiness. A gold coin Darin had left behind was the only proof she had that a fugitive had been in her barn.

  Cobalt and Prince both gave her an excited nicker when she passed their stalls but abandoned their hopes for grain after she’d set up the washbasins and began the task of scrubbing. The warm water in the first wash bucket was the best part of this job, and she kept her hands in the soapy water for longer than she should, knowing her knuckles would be raw and chafed but loving the warmth.

  * * *

  “Who cooked for us this time?” Aysha asked. She’d finished her morning chores and was thankful for the warmth of the kitchen as well as the smell of chicken and onions cooking on the stove. “Chicken soup?”

  “With barley.” Ranik stirred the pot. “Tillie insisted on sharing. She’s certain we’re unable to cook for ourselves.”
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  “I hope you didn’t tell her otherwise.”

  “Not a chance.” He poured the steaming soup into two bowls and sat down at the table. “I have news.”

  “What of?” She sat down next to Ranik and took a bite. The broth burned her tongue.

  “A Northerner. Remember that man who was offering a reward for a fugitive? He’s back in town.” He paused and took a bite, blowing on his spoon to cool the broth first. In a lower voice he added, “He’s offering gold again if anyone has any information. Apparently he had word that she passed through here and he suspects she’ll return. You know how much silver a person could trade for one coin of gold? Northern gold?”

  Aysha knew she should worry that the bounty hunter was back, but instead she felt a wave of relief. Darin was still alive. “Has anyone come forward?”

  Ranik shook his head. “Helm told me about it. He said the man is staying in the room above the tavern for a few nights waiting for news. I wouldn’t mind a few gold coins myself.”

  “You wouldn’t, Ranik. Don’t even joke of it.”

  “I wouldn’t,” he agreed. “But I worry more about Helm…He mentioned that he thought he saw someone going in and out of our barn way back at the Autumn Festival. After the bounty hunter had left. He said he’d seen a tall woman with dark hair. But he said he was drunk on cider at the time and had been chewing mushrooms as well. Wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it all. Still, I think he’s thinking of the gold. Even if he isn’t sure…” Ranik paused. “But the fugitive’s gone and there’s no danger to any of us saying what we know. We’d only say that she’d been in our barn. Nothing more.”

  “And then the bounty hunter will be breaking down our door. Are you mad, Ranik? We can’t say a word. And neither can Helm.”

  Ranik didn’t answer. He sipped his soup straight from the bowl and then wiped his lips with the back of his hand. “What would we do with even one gold piece anyway? Or the hundred pieces of silver we might get in trade?”

  “Promise you won’t say a word.”

  “I think you should have a word with Helm.” He leaned back in his chair and raised his bowl to his lips again. “But with the fugitive gone, what risk is it to us in saying that she was here, once, months ago?”

  “You can’t trust a bounty hunter. And if she comes back as he suspects…”

  Ranik’s eyes locked on Aysha’s. “That’s what I thought.” He took another sip of the soup. “You’re waiting for her return, aren’t you?”

  When she didn’t argue, Ranik continued, “That bounty hunter probably is lying about the gold anyway. But talk to Helm before he mentions something.”

  Maybe gold was the offer for information, but there would be a blood price for having assisted a fugitive. “I only wish I knew she was safe.”

  “Do you know which direction she went? I have friends who might have seen her at the river.”

  “I doubt she went to the river.”

  “How long will you wait for her?”

  “Maybe forever.” She knew it was true. She’d never met anyone like Darin and could never forget her. Ranik’s eyes seemed to see straight into her heart and he let out a long exhale. Her words hung in the air like a tendril of smoke. “It doesn’t matter, does it?”

  “It might matter to Shawn.”

  “Since when do you worry about Shawn’s feelings?”

  “I wondered why you let her move in with us—knowing you didn’t love her. You’ve led her on, you know.”

  “I do love her, Ranik. Maybe not completely…but we are more than friends certainly. And she understands my feelings.”

  “Does she?” Ranik’s voice was sharp.

  “I’m not having this conversation with you. There’s no point.”

  “You know that it’s wrong to make her think she’s enough for you when you’re only waiting for another. And I’m stuck in the middle of it.”

  Aysha had long since given up on having the last word in arguments with Ranik. They finished their soup in silence, and Ranik finally left with the excuse of needing to fill the firewood bin. Aysha cleared their dishes and went outside, finding the air decidedly cooler as the sun tipped toward the western horizon. Ranik had gone out with his heavy cloak, but he’d already stripped this off and was splitting logs as if he had a race to win. She watched him for a moment, nearly asking him if he’d had any word from Jenner, but then changed her mind and headed to Helm and Tillie’s. She was determined to convince Helm of the danger of talking to the Northerner, but neither Tillie nor he were home.

  Reluctantly, she left their house and went to the barn. The horses nickered when she shook grain into their troughs. Once the chickens were inside the pen, she checked on the newly fashioned gate, pulling at the latch as if she were a hungry fox making a second attempt. The winds had died down, but the air still stole the heat from her chest with every breath. She imagined Darin traipsing along the rough forest path in weather as bad as this and longed to hear that she was hidden away somewhere safe, far from the reaches of the bounty hunter. Far from Glen Ore.

  Chapter Eleven

  Darin watched Aysha head from the barn to the chicken coop and then into the house. She looked exactly as she had that first day in the fields except her skin was a shade lighter without the summer sun. She longed to call out to her, but the words froze in her throat.

  After Aysha’s brother came home, she slipped out of the icy toolshed and into the barn. Its warmth and the sounds of the horses chomping their hay were as welcome as the faint smell of Aysha all about the place. The horses eyed her uneasily at first, not recognizing her in the threadbare wool coat and men’s trousers she was wearing. The blue cloak from Thea was gone, sold for the new clothes, a good bit of dried meat, and a water flask. She’d cut her hair too. How far she’d come from the scared young woman who’d barely slipped over the wall six months earlier with Alekander on her heels.

  She bedded down in the familiar corner of the barn by the saddles, biding her time until she could sneak to the house. For months, she’d been on the move, sleeping in barns, outhouses, and chicken coops. Aysha’s barn was nicer than most, with few cracks to let in the wind, but hunger cramped her stomach and she couldn’t relax.

  For the most part, she’d learned to ignore the hunger stabs. The one good that came of the ever-present gnawing in her stomach was that scents were amplified. Alekander had paid three men to hunt her, three that she knew of, anyway. After the first hunter in the mountains, she’d searched for the others instead of waiting to be found. One she paid to turn back to the North; the other couldn’t be convinced.

  With the winter, she’d given up looking for more bounty hunters. Chased by the snow, she’d gone to the ocean for a respite from the cold. There’d been no scent of Alekander until she reached the harbor town of Crag. There his stench was thick. She’d tracked him to a pub and, once he’d left, had gone in to ask after him. From a talkative sailor, she’d heard that he had arrived by boat from the North. He was hunting a woman—a fugitive—and was on his way to Glen Ore to find her. Darin’s skin had gone cold at the sailor’s mention of a barn where the fugitive was reported to have been harbored. At the sailor’s words she knew she had to get back to Glen Ore before Alekander did.

  Unfortunately, Alekander moved fast. Darin ended up following him instead of staying ahead of him. She worried that he sensed her. More than once he’d circled back on his path. When they’d reached Glen Ore, he headed straight for the tavern and she took the forest path to Aysha’s home and waited at the field’s edge. A wintery storm was blowing in and no one moved about in the barn or the courtyard. There were dozens of barns in Glen Ore, but Darin knew Alekander would find Aysha’s before long. The only thing she could do was wait for him.

  Darin’s stomach growled again; she realized she wouldn’t be able to sleep unless she had something to eat. And she needed to warn Aysha. The wind howled and a flurry of dry snow greeted her as she left the barn, crossed the courtyard to the house an
d paused in the doorway. She tried the handle and found it unlocked.

  The door creaked as she entered. She waited for a long while in the dark kitchen, wondering if the creak had been loud enough to awaken Aysha or her brother, and then tiptoed over to the cupboard. A dirty pot, waiting for the morning’s scrubbing, caught her attention. She found a basket of bread crusts and scraped the bread against the pot’s bottom until it was clean. After she’d finished this, she opened the cupboard looking for more food. A bedroom door scraped open and she quickly ducked under the table.

  A woman entered the kitchen and went directly to the bread basket. She cursed under her breath when she found it empty. It took Darin a moment to recognize her—the last time she’d seen her she was standing in the courtyard screaming at Aysha. She wondered what series of events had brought her back to the farm. The obvious explanation was that Aysha had reunited with her old lover, but something about the woman’s scent made her doubt that.

  The woman opened all of the cupboard doors before she found a sack of nuts. She sat down at the table and cracked several nuts, chewed them quickly and tossed the shells into the empty pot. She fished out a second sack and ate a few strips of dried apple.

  Darin breathed a sigh of relief when the woman finally headed back to the bedroom. She’d wait for morning to talk to Aysha. Alone in the barn. She snatched several nuts and dried apple strips. Easing the door open, she slipped out of the house.

  * * *

  Darin awoke before the first morning light. She went to the tavern and Alekander’s scent gave her no doubt that he was still there. Instead of returning to Aysha’s barn, she set up watch in a hiding spot between two outbuildings that had a good vantage on the front of the tavern but was far enough away that Alekander wouldn’t hear her heartbeat.