by KM Fortune
Matthew elected to ignore the young man’s hostile sarcasm. He's hurting and blames me, Matthew thought. I would feel no different if our roles were reversed.
“I don't suggest that,” Matthew answered. He looked at Raven and it saddened him to see the hope starting to leave her face. “You would not be successful.”
“So there's nothing we can do?” Raven asked. Matthew looked around at the group and saw a ragged bunch of half-starved nomads. What is the answer to this puzzle? he thought. I am a scientist and I am used to working problems. So think. The others stared at him and waited for his answer. “Do you have allies?” he asked. “Anyone who has weapons?”
Blaze barked out an angry laugh. “You're kidding, right? You and the men like you have killed too many for us who live in the high desert to have allies.” With that, the man spat in the dirt at Matthew’s feet and walked away into the night.
RAVEN WATCHED A MOMENT of anger cross over Matthew's face and then it was gone. She let out the breath she was holding. The last thing we need is these two at each other’s throat, she thought. There were many other more important problems to address at the moment. She looked after the direction Blaze stormed off. Her heart went out to him. She knew Mouse was special to the clan. His sorrow must be overwhelming, she thought and decided to go after him. With an apologetic look at Matthew, Raven hurried into the night.
It only took her a few minutes to find Blaze. He stood looking out at the horizon, and for a moment Raven reconsidered if she should approach. Before she could decide, he turned to look at her. Even in the faint moonlight, she could see tears on his cheeks. It broke Raven’s heart and she went to him. “I'm so sorry,” she whispered, laying her hand on his arm. She felt his body stiffen at her touch and then relax. He hung his head.
“I failed her,” he said. “I was supposed to keep my people safe and now...” he trailed off.
“We will get her back,” Raven said. “I promise. There must be someone who can help us.” Blaze looked at her and they locked eyes for a moment. Raven was caught off guard by how strong her feeling of tenderness was for the young man. She wanted to put her arms around him and comfort him, but she hesitated. After a moment, Blaze blushed and looked away. He cleared his throat.
“There might be someplace we can try. There is a city to the north. I don't know if Willow will go for the idea though,” he said. The moment interrupted, Raven stepped back.
“Why?” she asked. It seemed any viable option should be attempted if it meant saving the child.
“It's known as the forbidden city among the nomads. It is rumored the men who hold it are truly evil, maybe even worse than the Patrols in some ways. They have no morals, no fear. Some claim they are even eaters of the dead. No one goes into their territory by choice,” he explained.
Raven was undaunted. No option, no matter how repulsive, should be ignored. “But they might have something or someone who could help us?” Raven asked.
Blaze nodded. “If anyone has weapons to be bought, it will be there.”
Raven felt a ray of hope. “Then we will convince Willow. We have no choice,” she said. Blaze nodded slowly. She could see him processing the idea. He smiled grimly at her.
“You never give up, do you,” he said. It was not a question and Raven smiled back. She reached out her hand to him and he took it.
“Never,” she said.
THE CAT MUTANT WATCHED the exchange from where he was hidden in the brush and it was all he could to not break out laughing. If this little crew thinks they can make a deal with the men in the city to the north, they are nuts. It’s time to break this up, he thought and stepped up behind them. “Hate to interrupt this little lovefest but I have places to be,” he said. The two both jumped in surprise, but the man quickly recovered and lunged at Hector. He had expected as much and easily punched the guy in the throat. He would have ripped his head off if he did not think it would send the woman into hysterics. His punch was effective enough. The man went sprawling back, clutching his throat and choking to catch a breath. “Okay,” Hector said turning to the woman. “That was easy enough. Are you going to be a problem?”
The woman backed up a step and looked ready to yell for help. Hector stepped over to the man on the ground and held up a claw. “Yell for help and I gut him like a fish,” he said.
“What do you want?” the woman asked quietly. Hector was surprised at how calm she was and had a moment of doubt. What if she uses some crazy black magic on me? he wondered. Little late to think of that now, genius. He foraged forward.
“I want you to come with me actually,” he answered. “I need a little help with something.”
“I'm busy right now,” she said. Hector nodded.
“Well, my stuff’s going to have to come first. Are you going to cooperate? Or is your boyfriend here about to lose his liver?”
The woman stepped forward toward Hector. “I'll go with you. Just don't hurt him.” Hector purred and took her arm.
“That's exactly what I wanted to hear,” he said.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I WANT TO THANK STACIE first and foremost. Thank you for helping me believe my ideas are worthy. I promise to no longer hide them under the bed.
My editors, Mary, Noelle and Tony. Your feedback and suggestions help make the books shine. I am so glad you want to see where the story goes as much as I do.
Thank you to my amazing family and friends. Your support keeps me going and make all the difference.
I can’t forget all my new followers and an ever growing group of true fans. I am writing these stories for you and I am constantly humbled by how much you seem to like them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
WHEN KM FORTUNE DECIDED to write Forever Winter, she had no idea it would become popular with readers and fans. What started out as nothing more than an endeavor to write a set of short serial books about a strong female protagonist set in a challenging dystopia, has become an intricate story with many unique characters. The best part has been the amount of fun she admits to having with the stories. Even though there is a master plan for the chronicles, the individual details of the journey continue to enlighten and engage her as she writes every Raven Winter adventure. KM Fortune hopes each and every reader is enjoying them too.
KM Fortune lives and works a regular day job in Salem, Oregon. Find her on her Facebook page at facebook.com/kmfortuneauthor and click the Sign Up button to stay connected with her.