Wild Wastes

by Randi Darren

  He would be in no man’s debt. Especially this man.

  “The vouchers you stole are fraudulent. The ones you have will explode after a certain distance. I’d recommend tossing them back over the wall.

  “Knowledge for knowledge. Goodbye,” Vince stated firmly.

  Petra needed no instruction and took them straight up the wall they stood beside. In seconds they were atop the roof and moving swiftly towards the south end of the city.

  Gliding from rooftop to rooftop Vince could hear a disturbance running throughout the city. From the brief snatches of conversation he picked up as they moved along, it seemed like the army had been deployed.

  Looking back towards the castle he could see the men and women of the military charging down a street. Squads breaking off and entering houses with their weapons unsheathed.

  Turning back to face forward Vince rested his forehead on Petra’s shoulder blades.

  “This one senses fear. Fear everywhere. Something is happening,” Petra said as she skittered along a rooftop.

  “Yeah, I saw soldiers being deployed behind us and I could hear some of the conversation from below us. The army has been mobilized. No idea why.”

  “Master can see them? And hear them?”

  “Yeah. I can. I think we’ll need to have a long talk with everyone after this. Me keeping secrets won’t be helpful.”

  Petra made a noncommittal noise as she leapt from the building they were on to one adjacent.

  “…freeing any slave they find. The kings ruled that slavery is illegal! Apparently they can neutralize orders on collars and are going from house to house.”

  “What? Quick get-”

  Vince felt the pieces click together in his head with that snippet of conversation.

  Seville had been meant to rob the vault, so to speak. The king would then sweep through and confiscate all slaves.

  It’d ruin the guild.

  In one greedy swoop, Vince had hindered the plans of a group to free slaves everywhere. The Auction House would inevitably recover from this since the vouchers weren’t in the hands of the king.

  That would have been an awful amount of leverage he could of leveraged over the Auction House guild.

  Seville seemed as if he were a ringleader of this operation. Who knew his parents and deliberately said nothing to him.

  Working with people who wanted to kill him.

  Vince was torn as he could easily support the cause, but not the people.

  Deciding that he’d find no answer in this train of thought this night, he instead tightened his grip on Petra. That and he tried to desperately not look down or think about the height they were traveling at.

  Dusk was closing in on the next day as the two wearily stumbled into the village Fes and Meliae were staying in.

  Without horses the journey had been exhausting. Petra had carried him an admirable distance, but even her stamina and strength flagged after a time.

  She was no horse to be ridden unendingly.

  Dragging his feet Vince pathetically shambled up to the man behind the counter.

  Vince barely recognized him as a man and didn’t bother to catalog his features. “Man” would do well enough in his own head.

  “Sir, what can I do for you this evening?”

  “I believe you have accommodations set for the week under the name Vincent. Two of my companions should already be here,” Vince mumbled.

  Petra came to a stop beside him, wavering a little to and fro as she tried to find her balance.

  They’d truly been on the run and had only stopped for a brief meal from a bush or tree and restroom breaks.

  “Ah, yes. I’m afraid they couldn’t remain and departed. They left a note for you should you come here.” The man disappeared behind the counter then came back up, holding out a letter for him and a key.

  Vince took the key and letter, blinking at them.

  “Last door on the left on the second floor. Enjoy your stay.”

  Nodding his head Vince set off for the indicated room, his steps heavy and plodding.

  Unlocking, opening, then closing the door after Petra entered took what little energy he had.

  He dropped the key and the voucher box onto the dresser top without a care for the noise it’d inevitably create. Then he slumped into the bed like an empty sack.

  Holding the letter up above his head he cracked open the wax seal and thumbed out the paper inside.

  Focusing on the words he began to read it.

  Dear Sweetling,

  People were paying too much attention to us. Perhaps because we were slaves, or simply because we were female.

  In either case we’ve moved on. It wasn’t worth the risk depending on how long they’d keep you hostage.

  Macy was quite kind and gave us more supplies than we could have ever needed as well as some coin.

  She also left a letter for you. I’ve put it in the dresser drawer. The key for it is stashed in your saddle bag with some prepared trail food.

  Vince glanced to the right and found the indicated dresser did indeed have a drawer.

  A few feet away Petra was stripping off her clothes. Her armor was still tied together and neatly piled on the ground next to the door.

  Before he could protest, or even speak, Petra was nude. Then she crumpled into the bed next to him, and promptly began snoring.

  Smiling to himself, he returned to the letter.

  We should now be on the trip back home. We’ll be moving slowly and carefully off the beaten trail.

  I know you have powers you have yet to disclose with us. Powers that may make it easier for you to find us. We’ll stay to the eastern side of the road as we move, unless we have no choice.

  We’ll keep an eye out for you, be sure to do the same.

  Do not fear or worry for us. With the power you’ve granted me, my beloved tree, I can guarantee we’ll not come across anyone.

  It is also why I’m able to travel so far from you. The amount of power you put into me is immense and I should be more than able to survive for at least a month or two.

  Beyond that I admit I’m fearful of the consequences.

  I stabled your horse at the coral a few streets away and made sure the saddlebags, which are in the armoire, are ready to go.

  We left your weapons, two rifles, and a can of ammo as well.

  If you end up having your way with Petra, please be sure to use protection. Or do it much closer to home so I can make sure slow down the pregnancy. So long as it’s within the first month it shouldn’t be an issue.

  Fes is yet to become pregnant after all.

  In closing, Fes is healing well. I’ve sped it along as much as I possibly could and we should reach home at a reasonable time. Perhaps only an additional week or two due to our caution.

  Love you, Sweetling.

  Yours Alone,

  Meliae

  P.S. Fes is getting grumpier by the day without you. Be sure to give her a lots of attention when you catch up with us, or meet us back at home.

  Setting the letter down on the beside dresser Vince closed his eyes and immediately dropped off into sleep.

  Muted shouting interrupted Vince’s sleep. Opening his eyes he blearily stared up at the ceiling above him.

  Someone was having a pretty loud argument.

  Beside him Petra snorted in her sleep.

  Everything was as it should be, over than the racket downstairs.

  Focusing his hearing on it he only had to listen for a second to realize what it was.

  Soldiers were here. Searching for them in particular. The innkeeper had tried to play dumb but apparently someone had ratted them out.

  It was only a matter of time till they started checking each room.

  Reaching over he gripped Petra’s shoulder and gave it a light shake.

  The soldier-ant’s eyes snapped open and her head whipped around to him.

  Holding a finger in front of his mouth he made a finger walking motion with h
is hand, and then pointed to the window.

  Petra nodded and shimmied out of the bed, her breasts swaying as she maneuvered her ant body off the mattress.

  Ripping his eyes from her unhidden and well displayed features Vince got out of the bed.

  Snatching up the letter and the voucher box from the bedside dresser he moved to the armoire. Pulling his saddle bag out he shoved the letter and the box full of vouchers into the main flap. Then he fumbled around inside where he kept his food for the key Meliae mentioned.

  Finding it quickly he spun on his heel and went to the dresser. Popping it open quietly he snatched the letter.

  Tossing both the room key and the dresser key on the bed he went back to the armoire.

  Petra grabbed him as he went by and pulled him in close.

  “Help this one with her clothes and armor, Master,” whispered the soldier.

  Vince nodded his head at the request.

  Petra picked up her bra and pulled it on, turning her back to him as she reached for her under shirt and padding.

  Vince frowned as his fingers pulled the clasp shut. Pulling at the fabric he adjusted it until it settled flatly across her back.

  Her shirt and padding went next and he had only a second to smooth it out before her chest plate and hip guards were being hauled on.

  Vince immediately went to work on the buckles while she worked on something else. He couldn’t quite see what she was doing with her back to him.

  “This one can take it from here, Master. Please continue to prepare.”

  Vince shut the clasp he was working on and then moved back to the armoire. Picking up their weapons, the saddle bag, and slinging the rifles over his shoulder he felt beyond encumbered.

  Moving back to Petra he hesitated for a moment and then put the saddle bag over Petra’s abdomen. Giving it a quick cinch, and fitting it as best to her as he could, he then slid in her sword and spear into the appropriate racks.

  He’d loaded her up like a pack horse.

  The soldier-ant glanced at him, down at the bags, and then went back to her armor.

  Pulling his sword and sheathe into it’s place around his waist Vince felt better immediately.

  Pressing his hands to the side of the armoire he slowly began pushing it in front of the door.

  Once he got it into place, with little to no noise at all thankfully, he pulled the dresser over and pressed it against the armoire.

  Then he slung both rifles over his shoulder and picked up the ammo can.

  Looking to Petra he found her cinching up a buckle under her chin for her helmet.

  “This one is ready, Master.”

  “Out the window. Can you manage it with me riding you and all this weight?”

  “This one will not fail her master. Though once she has reached the ground, her master will need to dismount.”

  “Agreed. After that let’s get my horse and go. I say south east. The further we go into the Wastes the better our chances are. Most will avoid it as much as they can.

  “Once we get out of Washington we can head back inward towards the main road. With any luck we can link up with Meliae and Fess.

  “They left a letter, you can read it when we get out of here.”

  “This one cannot read. She would ask her master to read it to her.”

  Vince blinked at that and then shook his head.

  “Certainly. You need to learn to read later though. I’ll teach you myself.”

  “If Master wishes.”

  “I do,” Vince said with a nod. Moving to the window he unlatched the lock and pushed it open. With a deep breath he then stepped out of the room and onto the roofing tiles.

  Petra was beside him in an instant.

  Looking out into the dark night he realized it was still several hours before dawn.

  Shaking his head he mounted up on Petra, hooking his legs around her midsection. Reaching around her gripped onto her with his arms as well.

  “This one would ask for a saddle. She enjoys beyond her master’s mount, but this could be more comfortable, she believes.”

  Not being able to respond to her request, Vince could only hang on as Petra moved to the side of the building. In seconds she’d shimmied them down the side of the building and into the street.

  Rather than slowing down to let him get off Petra sped up, dashing across the street and straight up a wall.

  It wasn’t until they slipped into the stables that she let him off.

  Petra was gasping for air, her hands pressing to her sides as he dropped off her side.

  “Soldiers… standing outside inn. Sorry, Master. Time… is short,” gasped out Petra.

  Vince tilted his head to the side and heard the stomping of boots in the distance.

  Rushing down the line of stalls he checked each as he made his way down the line.

  Finally, he found his own and booted open the door.

  His horse practically jumped at his sudden presence.

  Not waiting he reached out to the hook on the side of the wall and pulled free his saddle. Dropping it down on his horse he went through the act of saddling his horse as quickly as possible.

  Sliding one rifle into the holster for the saddle he grabbed the reins and led it back out to Petra.

  She was still huffing and puffing but sounded like she was recovering.

  Pulling the saddle bags free from her he put the second rifle into place in the receiver slot they’d made for it on her abdomen.

  Settling the saddle bags in their rightful place he vaulted into his seat.

  Pressing his heels to the sides of his horse he careened wildly off for the gate.

  Unsheathing his saber he wheeled the horse around as they passed by and swung at the rope tying it shut.

  With a hiss his blade separated the rope neatly and the gate swung open.

  Petra gave the gate a shove and exited the coral. Vince was right behind her as they turned back onto the main street and headed east.

  Eventually the only thing Vince heard was the sound of his horses’ hooves pounding the grass as they exited the city.

  Looking rearward he could see a multitude of lights. Torches, buildings being searched, people being roused.

  They’d gotten out just in time. He wouldn’t squander this reprieve though.

  Speed was the name of the game until they got the hell out of Washington.

  Looking towards the path they were traveling, Vince leaned forward over his horses’ head and hung on.

  Chapter 18

  Vince entered their camp as quietly as he’d left it. Petra sat, as she was able to at least, on a nearby tree trunk. She was quietly inspecting her weapons and gear for any damage.

  He eyed her for a second as he made his way over.

  Not looking up at him she continued to work field striping her Springfield. “This one would like to know what her master has seen.”

  “How do you always know, exactly?” Vince asked, taking a seat across from her in the grass. He pushed his back up to a log and let himself relax.

  Running scout duties never did any good for his nerves.

  Between them was the stacked wood for their next evenings fire, if they could afford to light one. To one side, and within reach if they had to flee, were their packs, saddle, and saddle bag.

  Their lone horse was staked a bit to their east so it could graze, and act as a sentry as well.

  They’d taken refuge in a forest on the east side of Washington. Vince always felt more at home with trees surrounding him so it hadn’t been a question if they’d venture into it or not. It didn’t hurt that the further east you went the less people you’d encounter.

  Directly to the south of their location was the Columbia river and the front line. Washington had failed their initial push into the south and had been sent tumbling back north. Now trenches were being dug along both sides of the river. Machine guns from the pre-Waste era were being brought in and set up to cover the river.

  For all inte
nts and purposes, the two countries were locked in a struggle that would only end in a blood bath, and a crushing defeat for one side or the other.

  That or never ending war.

  Which left them on the wrong side of the river and wondering if Fes and Meliae had been able to make it across themselves before this situation developed.

  Knowing them, they’re fine. Meliae probably went further east until they could find a gap to slip through.

  “This one can sense Master through her antennae. It is harder with more humans around, but not impossible.” Petra’s fingers pushed the bolt through it’s action, testing it while she had it pulled apart.

  “Ah, is that how you found me in the party?” Vince asked, shifting his weight around.

  Petra’s face screwed up in a scowl, before turning into a smirk. Heat colored her cheeks as she clearly relived some of that night in her head.

  “Not quite. This one couldn’t sense Master as well with her antennae trapped in her mask. She was worried at first that it wouldn’t be easy to find Master.”

  Sliding the trigger assembly back into the stock she hesitated, clearly ill at ease.

  “This one must admit she couldn’t find Master until she felt… him… wanting… her. The strength of Master’s desire was palpable. It was like being struck with it.

  “Thats why this one regrets losing the dress. She is sure that it was partly that she looked human in it that you were so interested in her. She has not felt the same level of desire from her master since, though she wishes it.”

  Vince sighed and brought a hand up and rubbed his jaw. “I’m not really sure how to answer that Petra. I can tell you that I honestly haven’t exactly been feeling… randy. We’re kind of on the lam and my mind has been more attuned to getting us home.”

  Petra nodded her head an inch, her fingers frozen on the stock.

  Grunting, Vince knew that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. “Petra, you’re very attractive. Even if you’re not completely human. The dress didn’t change anything for me because I’m well aware of who and what you are. Everything you felt from me, was directed at you for being you.