by KM Fortune
Helen smiled a little. “You as well,” she said.
“Oh, I see you don’t know!” laughed Prince Edward. Raven could not miss the malicious glint in his eye. “She’s not Lady Helen any longer. Now she is Queen Helen. A lot has changed since you ran off, brother. A lot.”
Hector narrowed his eyes and looked at Prince Edward. “What are you talking about?” he asked.
"Don't mind him," Queen Helen interrupted gently. "We have much to talk about but the hour is late. I will have quarters made up for you." The queen turned her head and met Raven's eyes. The two looked at each other for a moment, and Raven saw a firm but kind countenance in the gaze. Queen Helen nodded slightly. "And for your welcome guests also." Raven nodded back, and for the first time since she woke up in the strange new world she found herself in, she relaxed.
"Thank you," Raven said, her heart filled with a renewed hope. This one can help us, she thought. Everything will be okay.
As the morning sun rose over the mountain tops, the clan beside the lake was a hive of activity. The new guests were leaving, and it had created quite some excitement. Matthew ran his hands over the thick, hooded, leather coat which had been provided for him. It was lined with rabbit fur and had buttons made of carved antler. A priceless piece of craftsmanship, he thought and had tried to refuse it when Andres brought it to him earlier. The man insisted. “You saved my son and my wife,” he said with a smile. “Since you are not staying, this coat is all I have to offer to repay you.” Under those terms, Matthew knew he must accept it. Already he was thankful for it. The warmth it provided in the freezing morning air made him smile. Not to mention how I must look in it. For once, he felt he would not stand out. Everyone else in the party was dressed in some sort of animal hides. At first glance, no one would ever know he was not a human nomad.
Standing beside a long sled, he checked his bag and tried to wait patiently while everything was made ready. Matthew saw Blaze come out of the lodge with the twin brothers. They were not big men, but Matthew did not question they were tough and skilled at survival. Each carried a quiver of arrows and a bow and would be the ones to drive the sled Emilia had provided them. It was a narrow vehicle with runners and room for gear or even people if needed. Powered by humans both pulling and pushing, Matthew was not sure exactly how much it would benefit them but knew time would tell. I still have a lot to learn, he thought and nodded to the three men as they approached him.
Carrying a quiver of arrows and a bow of his own, Blaze stopped beside the sled to load them. He looked at Matthew. “I don’t suppose you know how to use a bow?” Blaze asked.
Matthew shook his head. “No,” he replied. “I was only taught to use a rifle.”
“Hmmm,” one of the twins said as he scratched his blond beard. “I’m not sure Emilia will go for giving one of the guns up. Or the ammo.”
The second twin nodded. “Not likely. What else do you want to try?” he asked Matthew with a grin.
“He kind of looks like a spear man to me,” the first twin interrupted.
“Ah, yeah. I can see that,” his brother said. “Lanky and all. Nice long reach. You fine with that, Matthew?”
Matthew smiled. He instinctively liked and trusted the twins. They treated him no different than any other clan member, even though they knew he came from the Patrols. Plus their playful camaraderie with each other was infectious. A person could not be around Toby and Brody for long without laughing.
“A spear is fine, Toby,” Matthew replied although not one hundred percent sure he was calling him the right name.
Toby laughed and clapped Matthew on the shoulder. “Nicely done,” he said. “You know me already. Not hard though for a smart guy like you. It’s obvious I’m the handsomer one.”
“Hah, more like—” Brody started but stopped his good-natured retort when Emilia walked up with Willow. The clan chief smiled at them.
“Well I see you four seem to be getting along already,” she said and glanced at the sled filled with supplies. “I’m sorry I cannot provide you more. Willow has explained to me your quest and if I could send an army to save Mouse, I would.”
"You've provided plenty," Blaze said. "We are grateful." Matthew watched him look at Willow. The two locked eyes and Matthew knew Willow would be greatly missed, but especially by Blaze. Matthew felt regret that the woman he had grown to respect so completely was not joining them. Earlier, Matthew had said goodbye to Dawn and would miss her as she had always shown him kindness and protected him from Twig, her angry young son, but Willow was different. Her courage and instinct to do what was right had saved him, and he knew it. There was a debt between them now, which he only hoped he could someday repay.
Finally, after a long pause of silence, Blaze stepped forward and pulled Willow into a hug. The two held for a moment before stepping back. Matthew saw tears in both their eyes. The parting was harder than Matthew could have ever imagined. No one in the colony where he was raised mattered to him enough to initiate such a response, yet here he was saddened over leaving behind someone he had only known for a few days.
“Where will you go next?” Willow asked as Blaze turned away to finish loading his gear on the sled.
“North,” he said. “We need weapons and fighters.”
Matthew saw Willow frown. "You mean to the forbidden city then?" she asked. Blaze turned back to her. It was evident the man's mind was made up and he was ready to depart.
"Yes. I am hoping we can bargain with the people there," he said. "I don't see any alternative."
“Fair enough,” Willow agreed. “And what of Kit? What of Raven?”
Blaze tied his last knot and looked around at the others. “The last thing Raven and I spoke of was going to the forbidden city for help,” he said. “If they are anywhere, it will be there.”
BOOK 7 – UNDAUNTED
CHAPTER 1
Blaze ran through the snow, pushing a short pole which was connected to the sled. Matthew was across from him, pushing his own, while Toby worked from the back and Brody pulled a rope from the front. “Mush!” Toby yelled with a laugh as the runners made excellent time across the ice of the frozen lake. “Mush, little doggies!”
"You're gonna be mush if you don't shut it," Brody laughed back without breaking stride. Blaze, however, was not sure if he thought all of it was especially funny. He could barely catch his breath, realizing the two brothers were in far better shape. A glance over at Matthew only made Blaze more frustrated as the scientist hardly seemed to be struggling at all. At least the man asked the question Blaze would have, assuming he could breathe.
“So, tell me again, why are we bringing a sled?” Matthew said.
“You’ll see. It will be worth it, I promise,” Toby answered. “You’re gonna love it.” Blaze found it hard to believe anything to do with pushing the sled would be something he loved but stuck with it. Looking into the near distance, he could see the end of the lake and the start of a trail which led up into the mountains. We are not actually going to take this thing up that? he wondered with dismay. This is craziness.
“How far are we hauling this?” Blaze puffed.
"As far as we can, but it depends on how long we have snow deep enough," Toby replied. "We've never been down to the high desert beyond our mountains, so it is hard to guess." Blaze could hear the excitement in the other man's voice. He knew the twins were seeking adventure and had no idea what dangers were ahead. They were sheltered, living behind high walls in a warm lodge with plenty of food. Last night, when the men had approached, Blaze tried to explain to them the trek to the forbidden city would be no hero's journey. Patrols were more frequent. Occasionally mutants attacked. Food and water were scarce. All of which paled compared to what they might face once they reached their destination. The twins had only grinned at each other and then begged to be included. Blaze, even though they were untested, was glad to have them along. The more muscle, the better and frankly, the idea of traveling with only Matthew did not appeal to B
laze in the slightest. No matter how often the soldier proved himself loyal to the human nomads, Blaze still would not allow himself to completely trust the man.
And then there is no Willow along with us, he thought with a pang of sadness. He still could not believe she stayed behind. It was her choice, but regardless, he missed her already. Why did she not come with us? To save Mouse? To find the others? Resolving to ponder it later, Blaze paid attention as the group was reaching the edge of the lake. Thinking they might slow at the transition, he let up a bit, but Brody immediately called out from the front. "Who's loafing?" he said. "Toby, if you're up riding the runners, I'm going to kick your skinny butt."
“Sorry,” Blaze mumbled and picked up his pace again. “Are we really going to push this thing up the trail? This is crazy.”
Toby laughed from the back of the sled. Even he was starting to sound a little out of breath, which gave Blaze a little satisfaction at least. “Yep, we definitely are and the faster we can be going before we hit the incline, the easier it will go, so dig in!” he yelled as the sled bumped over the lip of snow around the lake and shot toward the trail. “It will be worth it, I promise!”
Kit was feeling claustrophobic. Less than six hours in the cat mutant's palace and she was ready to go. Although she was used to shelters where her clan would reside, she never stayed home long. Her place was the open spaces of the plains. She liked to be able to see for miles across the flat landscape, with only the great snow white mountains to break up the horizon. The four walls and door of the room where she was escorted to the night before were not to her liking. The bed, which was up off of the floor at least two feet, was impressive but too soft and Kit had not slept. Trying to keep herself distracted, she walked around the room and looked at the pictures hung on the walls. They gave her pause as she examined them. The images were faded but apparently scenes of men and women lounging around drinking and eating. Not particularly realistic in Kit's mind but most of the magazine pictures Kit ran across on her travels were that way too. In the end, Kit explored every inch of the room and found nothing really worth taking. Only the candle and its holder left for her on the nightstand beside the bed ended up in her pocket.
With a sigh of boredom, Kit decided it was time to sneak out of the room and do some exploring. She contemplated trying to find Raven and asking her if she wanted to leave, but somehow thought the woman would not be ready yet. Just as well, Kit thought. Raven was significant and unique, but she was horrible at moving silently. Quietly, Kit opened the door to her room and looked up and down the short hallway. Surprised no one was left to guard her, she slipped out and crept to the first corner. Darting a quick peek to see what was beyond, she saw a small room with an active fireplace. It appeared unoccupied otherwise, and Kit did not hesitate as she moved inside it. More tapestries hung from floor to ceiling and some ornate chairs, plus a table took up half the room as they sat near the hearth. Exploring, Kit walked along the wall, taking in the images of cat mutants and different adventures woven into the fabrics used for both decorations and to help keep the space warmer. As she stood studying on an elaborate scene, the tapestry rippled a bit. Kit froze. There was no breeze which she could feel. Again, the thick fabric seemed to sway and now more curious than ever, Kit looked behind the curtain. Pulling it slightly from the wall, her eyes widened when she saw there was an opening. A secret passage! Kit thought with excitement. The hole was dark, and there was no way to know if it led anywhere, but Kit could not let the opportunity to explore pass her by. Moving quickly to the fireplace to light the candle she carried, she took one last look from side-to-side as she crossed back to the wall. Pulling the tapestry aside, she ducked behind it and was gone.
Hector stood beside the lavish bed and looked down at the sleeping figure. What was once a giant of a beast now looked shriveled and frail. It was hard for Hector to take in. Years had passed since he left his home and he had done and seen countless things, but it never registered that time was passing for his father as well. The memory of the tall, muscular cat mutant, with thick tawny fur like Hector's, was what was locked in Hector's mind. The gray-muzzled, hollow-faced thing before him could not be the father he once loved and hated at the same time.
There was a click behind him as the door to the bedroom opened. Hector turned and saw Queen Helen enter. "How long has he been like this?" Hector asked. Queen Helen came to stand on the other side of the bed. She looked down at the sleeping king, and there was tenderness on her face.
“Not long,” she replied. “The sickness has come over him quickly. Even a month ago, he was up and getting around. Now he won’t even wake up.”
“And the healers?” Hector asked. Queen Helen shook her head.
“There is nothing left to be done but make him comfortable. It won’t be long now,” she answered. Hector rubbed his paws over his face, tired and unhappy. His plans to make a grand arrival and put his father in his place were fantasies which no longer seemed relevant. Why did it matter so much to me? Hector thought, but he knew the answer. He wanted his father’s approval at last. Now it looked like such a thing would never come or even be possible.
“I see,” Hector said. “Do they think he will wake up again?”
"No one knows," Queen Helen said. "But I pray he does, if nothing else so he can see you one more time and name you as his successor. It is what he would have wanted." Hector did not know what to say. Their parting was filled with anger and harsh words on both sides. Hector had vowed to never return, and his father had sworn Hector would never be welcome again. To hear now that his father might have had a change of heart was a surprise.
“Do you really think so?” Hector asked.
Queen Helen nodded. “I do. Very much so,” she replied. “But also, you returning and his blessing would help solve many problems. There is a lot of unrest in the city. People do not know what is happening or what to think.”
Hector was puzzled. "But if my father dies, you would be queen. Nothing is confusing about it," he said.
Queen Helen sighed. "No, Hector," she said. "It is not so simple. Your brother has a strong case to take the throne, even with you here. I'm the second wife and not your mother. You have been absent. Many people will rally to Prince Edward."
"Well, I won't let that happen," Hector said, gritting his teeth. "Not while I still have a breath in my body." Queen Helen came around the bed and laid a gentle paw on Hector's arm. It was soft, and the feel of her so close brought Hector strong memories of a different time and place.
“Don’t say that,” she said gently. “If anything happened to you ...” They locked eyes for a moment and then Queen Helen stepped back. The moment was broken. “I can’t ensure your safety or that of your friends, Hector. If your father does not wake up, I’m afraid I don’t know what will happen, but I fear we will all be in terrible danger.”
CHAPTER 2
“The Creator said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, to be like us. Let them be masters over the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly, the livestock, everything that crawls on the earth, and over the earth itself!’ So The Creator fashioned mankind in his own image,” Hannah said from where she sat in the atrium at the center of Eden. Samuel stood over her and nodded.
“Perfect,” he said, satisfied her recitation of the memorized verse was perfect. He waved a hand at the openness beyond the windows where they studied and the gardens and pens for different animals raised for food by the colony beyond. “The Creator made all of this possible. If not for his brilliance, we all would perish.”
Hannah followed his gaze and was quiet. Samuel watched her study the scene. “What’s an ocean?” she finally asked. Samuel frowned. He had been working on teaching Hannah about the creation and The Creator’s miracles for over a week. Every time he thought he was making headway, she would ask a ridiculous question. Her memorization skills were excellent, but her grasp of the meaning behind his words seemed to puzzle her again and again.
“It's a giant mass
of water," Samuel said. "But that doesn't matter. That is not the point." Hannah looked at him. Her dark eyes were serious, and he knew she was about to ask him something else. Samuel took a deep breath to try and temper his frustration. "What now?" he asked through tight lips.
“Where is it?” she asked.
“Where is what?” Samuel said.
“This ocean thing,” Hannah replied. “I want to see it.” Samuel threw his hands up in the air. From the corner came a snicker and Samuel whirled angrily at the man sitting in a chair across the room. It was the disgusting nomad brought in with Hannah. Even though he had been washed and his head shaved to save them from his lice, Samuel still hated to have the man anywhere near him. Only at Hannah’s insistence was he there at all. It was the one time the child actually acted like one. She refused to take her lessons unless the man she called Blue was present. It made no sense to Samuel, but a part of him thought the old soldier Gabriel had something to do with it. As if Gabriel told Hannah the ugly nomad’s days were growing short and he would soon be terminated as no longer necessary, Samuel thought yet knew could not be the case. Such an act would be treason, and not even Gabriel would go so far. If nothing else, his genetic engineering would forbid it.
For now, Samuel would have to put up with the nomad's presence. "Silence!" Samuel commanded. "I don't expect you to comprehend any of this, but do not interrupt." The man ducked his head and was quiet again. Samuel smirked and looked at the armed soldier standing at attention beside where the man sat. The soldier was a precaution Samuel insisted on. Seeing the nomad's submissive response, however, Samuel was not worried. The people from the wastelands were filthy cowards.
With her snowshoes sending puffs of soft white up around her, Willow trudged along the mountain trail. Her steps were nearly silent, and all was quiet. It was exactly what she wanted and why she had insisted she go alone. Emilia had offered to send others with her for at least part of her journey, but Willow declined. This mission was one she needed to do on her own, and when she explained her plan to Emilia, the clan chief accepted her decision. In fact, the woman had nodded with understanding, hugged Willow, and whispered, "If it can be done, you are the one to do it." Now, as she listened for any hint of danger and only heard the sound of her own heavy breathing, she knew she had been right. Stealth was of utmost importance, and no matter how a group tried, someone always ended up making noise.