Tribal Dawn: Mordufa: Volume Three

by Cassie Wolf

  The instant her hand was free, she hissed and lashed out with a dagger, driving the bone weapon into his hip before he could react. Tau roared and booted her in the face. The pain burnt deep, pulsing and throbbing. A warm spray splattered his arm. Ebhi was behind the girl and dropped her.

  Tau was dizzy. There was too much bodily fluid around him. He didn’t know what was his and what wasn’t. He went to speak. The words didn’t come out. Instead, he grimaced, keeling over. The pain was twinging and dull. He couldn’t move for it. Everything was blurring.

  - CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE -

  For the first time in years, Zura dreamt happily with no recurring images disturbing her. She woke in the night, curled on her side, naked. The candles had all burnt out except one. Looking beneath the fur, she blushed and glanced to her right. Vakaar was lying sprawled across the bed. Smiling, she nudged his arm, cosying in his warmth, happy and safe.

  Vakaar flickered his eyes and whispered nonsense. It took him a moment to realise where he was. Sleepily, he gazed at Zura and caressed her cheek before he lay on his side to kiss her. She clambered on top, the pair dozily embracing, midnight mind barely awake, Zura giggling at his touch. It quickly rose into a passionate heat. They mated, lips never parting, biting and scratching, lust blazing between them. When they were done, Vakaar lay her down, wrapped her thighs around his waist and had sex with her for the third time.

  Zura opened her eyes, lying on his chest. His scars were incredibly deep. A volley of arrows had impaled his skin. Others were blatantly the marks of blunt knives on his flesh. Swirls of deliberate wounds from sadistic torturers. Her mind swayed through a dizzy ecstasy, and her heart sank. She didn’t want him to leave. She battled crying and savoured the moment, hugging him tightly.

  Vakaar yawned and stroked her shoulders. He stared at the blank wall opposite and reached for his gloves on the side table, lifting her hand in front of him.

  Her tears welled, she laughed shakily and tried to pull her hand away. “What are you doing?”

  Vakaar straightened her palm and slipped the leather over her slender fingers. “You need to stop fearing armour and weapons. You can have these.”

  Zura bit her lip and clutched her fingers with his. Unlike the roughness of most leathers, a comfortable fur lined the inside and cushioned her hand. “I’ll have something to remember you by.”

  Vakaar let her hand drop to his chest. “Yes, you will.”

  “Vakaar…” Zura whispered, eyes shining. “Can you not… I mean… is there any way...?”

  “No. I’m promised to Mordufa. We’ve had fun and shared the night together.” He sensed her disappointment as her nails grasped him closer.

  “I feel like I’ve been used, Vakaar.” She leant up on her elbows. When he didn’t respond, she kept the blanket around her chest and sat on the edge of the bed. Her heart raced. A tear rolled down her cheek. When his arm hooked around her waist and pulled her onto his torso, she resisted. He held her firm and let her tears fall.

  “If I used you, you’d know. I’d be gone. Come on, Zura, you’re a smart woman. You follow the words of Luaani and will continue to dedicate your life to her. I follow Mordufa, and I am his child. I can’t ignore that.”

  “But I slept with you. It’s against my vow. Can you not find some leeway in your promise to him?” She turned around and rested on his chest, rocking. “I don’t know if I can lose you too.”

  “I have to go. You couldn’t live a life with me… It’s your mind pondering on the what-ifs. I murder anything that is written. Brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, children. You’d want to change me, and I’m sorry, Kreiess, a shadow can’t change. No matter how hard they try to suppress it. When children of Mordufa, especially ones like myself who’ve trained since infancy, attempt to settle, he tests them. When they care, nightmares happen. Maybe at first crops die, then cattle. Darkness will gradually spread. Just when you think you’re over the burial of your prized bull, he’ll take those you love until his madness descends.” Vakaar twitched and swore. “Take it as it is. I don’t want that to happen to you. The world needs some light when the shadows overwhelm it.”

  Zura grabbed his jaw. Beneath the tears and stained cheeks, her quivering lips curved into a smile. “That’s what Mordufa said to Luaani.”

  Vakaar uneasily shifted and reached for his clothes. “Exactly. He never wanted to say it. He knew he’d curse her. Some say those very words were the moment he hid in the shadows. Solianga would’ve killed him. It’s why Luaani glows in the night, searching for Mordufa.”

  “Vakaar.” Zura wrapped her arms around his neck. “I don’t want you to go. I wish you could stay here, by my side, to share my body and soul every day until we’re too old and frail.” As he went to open his mouth, she put her gloved hand to his lips. “But I understand. You gave me something I’ve never had. You went out of your way so I’d enjoy it. You made me feel special for the night, something I’ve not felt in a long time. I’m going to wait for you, even if it’s into the next life. This isn’t like before. I know you can survive.”

  Vakaar smirked and kissed her nose. “You shouldn’t wait for me. My birth stars won’t disappear. You’ll end up in the exact same position. I don’t want you to do that, and I can’t make the same promise to you.”

  “I don’t want you to. You’ve opened my eyes. I want you to know I care for you. Since I saw you, I’ve felt a connection between us. There is something about you that makes me feel safe and protected. I will wait here if you ever want to return. I’ll be your mate, cook your meals, sew your leather when it tears and mate with you under the stars.” She softly kissed him. “I lo—”

  Vakaar shook his head. He hushed her and lifted her from his knee to dress. “Don’t say that. If you wish to wait, you can – you’re a grown woman making the decision this time. It isn’t a forced dread that you can’t deal with.”

  Zura slipped off the bed and stepped into her dress. “I want you to know I love you, Vakaar. I’m not trying to guilt you, but I’d regret never telling you if something was to happen.”

  Vakaar twitched and dressed in silence. He went into the living space and gathered bowls of fruit for the pair to share and a berry tea to wake them up. The morning workers were making noise outside. The guards called morning patrols and the first cooks were dishing out fragrant, meat-filled breakfasts. When Zura finished, they stared across the table, unable to find the right words.

  “The Kardier trainer I spoke to is returning today to see if I’m up to the journey,” Zura broke the silence.

  “How do you feel about it?”

  “I’m not too sure.” She shrugged, flicking her messy hair over her shoulder. “I’m nervous, but it’s something I’ve wanted for years. It means a camp closer to our tribe. We’d be able to visit more of the world, get more trade partners and nurse the animals.”

  “You’ll be fine.” Vakaar gathered the bowls and placed them in the side barrel. “Take the gloves with you. You can imagine I’m stalking through the trees and killing lurking bandits. Truth be told, you’ll probably see me that way. If I read your tracks, I might come hunting for you. I’d imagine it’d be more pleasurable than having my ass kicked by your brother.”

  Zura smiled weakly. “I like the sound of that. What about you? When are you leaving?”

  “Probably when you leave here, Kreiess. I’ve got a long journey ahead of me and a lot of jobs I need to cross off a list when I return.” He smirked and looked around his home. “I’m going to miss this place. It’s the first home I’ve lived in that I made an effort to make comfortable.”

  Zura giggled and dropped her hands to her legs. She didn’t want to get up. The moment she did, he was gone. She might never see his face again. She might never be connected the way they had the previous night. He could find another lover, a Silent-step sister who was equally cold about killing. Maybe she could become one of them. No, she couldn’t. It was only half a year ago that she’d despised his kind. They were the
reason some of her tribe were orphans and why her mother and aunt wept. But they were also why she’d met him.

  Taking a breath, she stood and looked at the door. “May I ask one more favour of you?”

  “Depends on how much time it’ll take,” Vakaar said, throwing on a worn tunic. He’d brought out his sack of supplies and threw them on the chair.

  “Can you walk me to my hut?”

  “That’s it? Yeah, sure.” Vakaar walked ahead and opened the door.

  Zura bit her lip and grabbed his hand. “I may never see you again, Vakaar. This could be the one chance I get to hold hands with a man like a lover in front of everyone. If nothing else, it’ll stop men pestering if they believe I’m taken.”

  Vakaar laughed and ran a hand through his messy hair. “Are you treating me to a guard chase for an exit?”

  “They won’t do that, I promise.” Her hand was sweating, and her nerves showed in the droplets on her forehead. A warmth swelled inside. How he made her feel was a bliss that couldn’t be taken away. It was too strong. There were glimpses and dips of guilt, but she only had to look at Vakaar and know he was right. Dizelai wasn’t here, and for all she knew, her life with him could’ve been terrible. It was rare for couples to remain happy together for decades. Her parents and Dafari were lucky examples. Chika and Rozi however, they represented the majority. Either the situation was a forced bind or the first throes of passion dwindled into an ice-cold reception at the dining table. How could she miss something she never knew? She adored Dizelai when she was fourteen, yes, but that didn’t mean she’d like him as a woman.

  They walked between huts, people whispering and turning their heads. Vakaar watched the guards, ready to make a move if he had to. Zura smiled dreamily, leaning on his arm. When they got outside, she held both of his hands. No matter the exhilaration, tears shone in her eyes. “Thank you, for everything.”

  “It’s alright.” He leant in close, embracing her tenderly, and whispered in her ear, “If you need help again, draw the Moduma symbol, mark the paper with a cross in the south and the symbol of the person’s profession.”

  “I will.” Her heart raced. She rocked with him for a moment, taking in his scent for the last time, fingers digging into his shoulder. It must’ve been her imagination, but he was holding her tight, too. She gazed into his sombre light brown eyes, lip quivering.

  Vakaar cupped her face and passionately kissed her. Her pink cheeks were sticky and wet with tears. He curled her hair behind her ear and squeezed. “Mordufa always watches, Kreiess.”

  His charming voice sent tingles down her spine. “Luaani will always light your path, Vakaar,” Zura whispered, voice breaking. She kept her eyes shut when he let go. The sadness poured down her face, and the pain ached in her chest. Sniffing, she opened her eyes and saw him retreating to his hut, waving at her. She giggled, wiped her nose and waved back.

  Taking a breath, she recomposed herself and stared at the main doors. With a gesture to the guards, they opened. Immediately, she wanted to run back out. No, she couldn’t do that. She had to look to the future. She’d seen the scars he’d suffered. He wasn’t dead. He was very much alive. She wouldn’t know the next time she’d see him but one thing was certain, it was going to be magical.

  Chika was standing, arms crossed, at the bottom of the trokhosi, a bored expression on his face. Atsu was sat in place, his jaw tense as it usually was when he was around his son. Both turned in sync.

  “There she is,” Chika snapped, narrowing his round eyes.

  Atsu did the same. Some of his tension faded. “Where the fuck have you been? I was about to send guards to search for you. Your mother’s worried sick.”

  “I’m sorry.” Zura tugged her dress. Their eyes read what she’d been up to, she saw it in their faces.

  “What the fuck happened to you?! Have you been crying?!”

  “Clearly, she stumbled into a bush. One with hands and human teeth.”

  “Shut up. What happened? Did someone attack you?!” Atsu was turning a quick scarlet, ready to call his guards.

  “No, no!” she protested, trying to reassure her father. “I spent the night elsewhere. I'm all right, Father, honestly.”

  Atsu fidgeted in his chair. He took off the helm and frowned. “Where?”

  “I was at Kaari’s hut. He’s left, don’t worry,” Zura said softly and went towards her room.

  “Who’s Kaari?” Chika asked.

  “Some Inferno trader. Oi.” Atsu snapped his fingers and pointed at his feet. She stood before him, looking at the ground. He leant forward. “You took vows, young lady. We didn’t pay all that money for some fucking white Priestess to descend from mountains for you to throw it back in our faces. As for Kaari… he’s giving you those bites and fucked off? I should kill the cunt for that.”

  “Father, no! You liked him. We knew he was going. He always said he was, even to you. It was my own doing,” Zura protested.

  Atsu simmered, the red in his face nearly gone, though his knuckles remained white. “What’s with the gloves?”

  “He gave them to me to hold a sword comfortably,” she replied quickly. She couldn’t tell her father that it was to remind her of him, especially with their odour of blood and death. “Father, you have nothing to worry about. He’s gone.”

  Atsu narrowed his eyes and settled back in the chair, shifting his shoulders. Chika, however, glared and tapped his chin.

  “What did he look like?” Chika asked.

  “An Inferno man,” Zura struggled to say. She wanted to run away and go to her room. More than anything, she wanted to lay in her bed and replay the most magnificent night of her life. “I’m surprised you didn’t see him, Chika. He had scars riddling his skin.”

  “Fucking huge ones on his throat and eye, too,” Atsu said, swigging water.

  Chika looked like stone. His skin greyed, eyes went wide. He opened his mouth, his lips dry. “Is he coming back?”

  “No, I don’t think so,” Zura said.

  Her brother was shaken as if he’d seen a ghost. He patted down his robes and took out a pouch. “Please excuse me, I’m going to see if I can catch up with him and ask about an eastern herb. One that’d preferably put Rozi into an eternal sleep.” He dashed out the door.

  Zura cocked her head at where he’d stood a moment ago. Surely he didn’t hate Rozi that much? Atsu’s dry chuckle took her attention. “Is the teacher here, Father?”

  “Yeah. At least, some fucker arrived and disappeared into the garden wearing a turban and animal scratches.”

  Zura thanked her father and ran to her bedroom. When she saw her reflection, she gasped in shame. Her hair was sticking out everywhere, and there was a clump of tangles right in the middle at the back. Her neck had bite marks she didn’t remember getting and her arms were scratched. She took care of the knots and threw on a pastel dress. Between her legs burnt and brought a slight limp as she walked to meet her guest.

  Musota greeted her, beaming a sunburnt grin. “Twenty-five today I’m told.”

  Zura curtseyed before him and sat. “Yes. Apologies for my lateness, I was saying goodbye to a friend.”

  “No apology needed. Today you reach a huge milestone in life. A quarter of hundred years roaming our beautiful world in all its glory.” Musota’s eyes skimmed over her bites. He awkwardly cleared his throat. “So today is the day of your decision. Have you thought about it?”

  Zura stared, lost in a world of her own. She’d been looking forward to this moment for ten years. The only thing that ever held her back was travel. It was far away. How could she live without her comforts? She went to chew her nails, and the scent of the gloves hit her. A smile spread on her face. “Yes. I want to come to your camp to learn.”

  Musota clapped his hands together. “Great! We won’t depart straight away. I respect that you have doubts about travelling and may need time to prepare for the journey. If at any time you feel uncomfortable and need to return home, you’ll always be welcome to.”r />
  “That’ll make my father happy.”

  “Yes, I see your parents are protective.” Musota rubbed his hands together. “Are there warriors or anyone you’d like to accompany you?”

  As she went to say no, she held her tongue. Vakaar was travelling north to the nearest Kardier camp. That was where she was going. Maybe it didn’t have to end yet. They could spend nights together under the blessed Luaani, eating game beside the glimmer of a sparkling lake or bathing in the grotto springs. “Please excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  She kept her composure and elegantly walked through the trokhosi room. The instant the front doors opened, she broke into a sprint. Her eyes twinkled, fantasising about the nights they could share. The butterflies, new and alive, swirled in her stomach. Her heart melted when she saw his hut. Eagerly, she ran and opened the door.

  “Kaari!” The candles from the previous night were extinguished. Bowls had been cleaned on the side, and the food was gone. Her stomach flipped, and emptiness hit. He’d already left. Zura sped into the bedroom, hoping maybe he had another nap before taking off. Instead, the bed had been made, and all his clothes had vanished.

  She climbed on the bed and hugged his pillow close to her chest. Closing her eyes, she could imagine he was still there, waiting for her anxiety to fly into the sky before his smooth voice would bring her down to Vuunis.

  When she clutched the pillow, something jingled out of the side. She looked down. It was a key wrapped in a note.

  Maybe time to move out and let your parents have all the embarrassing moments they desire to themselves. Look after it for me, Kreiess. You never know if that conscience will make an appearance.

  Zura smiled and clutched the note. She took a moment to relive the night before. The lust and the tantalising desire between them, building over moons, exploding into all-consuming passion. The way his hands, those which had murdered so many, touched and tingled her skin devotedly. She took the key and left the hut, locking it. When she got back onto the path, she met Chika, his pale face unusually flushed as if he’d done something physical.