Amazonia

by Croft, Sky

  Shale watched them closely. The group was alert, but the twins gave away nothing, their shallow breathing going unheard. A few more steps, then Shale and Kale moved in sync, emerging fully into the open. Kale let out a shrill whistle to get their attention.

  The hunting party whirled around, swords instantly drawn or bows raised. The twins were careful to keep their own hands away from their weapons.

  “Easy,” Shale said. “We’re Amazons, too,” she pointed out needlessly, they could tell that from her clothes.

  “We request to be taken to your queen,” Kale said.

  “What tribe are you from?” a small and sturdy woman demanded.

  “We have no tribe,” Kale said. “They’re all dead.”

  The hunters exchanged distressed looks at the news.

  “We really need to speak to your queen. It’s very important,” Shale said diplomatically, noting that now the shock of their sudden presence had worn off, the women were curiously glancing back and forth between her and Kale.

  “Well?” Kale said. “Are you going to take us? Or are you just going to stand and look at us all day?”

  The blunt statement was uncalled for, though Shale understood exactly why Kale had made it. She also didn’t like to be stared at, but unfortunately everyone responded to their likeness in the same way. It was tiring. Normally Kale wouldn’t have reacted like that, and it was clear to Shale that her sister was in distress, but she could do nothing to ease her torment.

  The hunters stiffened, and the woman they had been talking to narrowed her eyes.

  Shale tried to keep things friendly, it wouldn’t help matters to get off on the wrong foot. “We’re twins,” again said unnecessarily. “I’m Shale.” When Kale wasn’t forthcoming with her own name, she added, “This is Kale.”

  “Alke,” the woman replied, much to Shale’s relief. “We will take you to our queen.”

  “Thank you.” Shale smiled at the rest of the women, but no one else introduced themselves. She really didn’t need this. She rubbed her temple, which was beginning to throb.

  “This way,” Alke said, then hesitated midstep. “Unless you need to rest first?”

  Shale took that to mean that she looked like she felt— exhausted. One glimpse of Kale confirmed that she did. Still, Shale was pleased that Alke had at least asked. “We’re fine, thanks.”

  “I’m sure we can keep up,” Kale said dryly. “If your pace is anything like your hunting skills, I’m sure we’ll leave you far behind.”

  “Kale!” Shale said in disbelief.

  “How dare you!” Alke retorted angrily, as the hunters around her bristled at the insult.

  “She didn’t mean that, she’s tired.” Shale tried to smooth things over once more, but it was too late, the damage had been done.

  “We’ll take you.” Alke’s tone was hard. “But I warn you our queen does not accept insolence. We have manners in this tribe.”

  Kale snorted, stepping forward. “Taught those instead of hunting, were you? We heard you long before you got here. You really made it quite easy for us.”

  All but Alke raised their weapons at the twins.

  Shale held her hands out pacifyingly. “We don’t want to fight.” She turned on Kale, lowering her voice. “Stop trying to pick a fight. Your anger isn’t for them.” Seeing that her words had little effect, she decided to take another approach. “You’re delaying us.”

  Kale stared at her for a long moment, then relented and took a step back.

  Shale faced the still simmering hunters, focussing directly on Alke, who seemed to be in charge. “Please, can we go?”

  Alke tipped her head, and the weapons were lowered. She took the lead, and the group followed. Alke set a fast pace, and Shale rolled her eyes, her fatigued body protesting every movement.

  Well, Shale thought, this is a great start.

  NO ONE SPOKE for the entire journey, and Shale was relieved when they finally reached the village. Her body was near collapse, and her willpower alone kept her upright. She knew Kale was in the same state, and hoped that the harsh trek had taught Kale to keep her comments to herself. They had no tribe, and if they wanted to join this one, things would go a lot smoother if they fitted in.

  Shale noticed several wood cabins dotted amongst the trees to her left. On the right, an area of land had been cleared of trees, and the ground had been cultivated for growing crops. At the heart of the village lay a large circular clearing, and in the center of it was a substantial fire. Cabins lined either side, perfectly laid out in a row. Farther on and to the left, was what Shale recognised to be the warriors’ training ground, and beyond that was a large hut with bars on the door—the jail. Ahead and to the right were a few more cabins, then the trees grew thick again, the surrounding forest protecting the village well against attack.

  Their presence was noticed instantly, and the commotion brought more and more Amazons to them. Someone must have informed the queen, for she was being escorted over by several guards. The gathering crowd made way for her.

  Though Shale had never met the queen, she was in no doubt that this was her—a regal air encircled her like a second skin. Shale stood transfixed, the woman was beautiful. Long golden hair framed her face, and her features were delicate, soft. She wore a rust colored bodice, and a dark brown skirt. She looked to be around her age, maybe slightly younger.

  The twins dropped to their knees, bowing their heads respectfully.

  “Rise,” she told them.

  Shale, for a horrifying instant, didn’t think she could, her weary legs not cooperating. She thought about how embarrassing it would be to collapse in front of the queen. It certainly wouldn’t do her reputation as a warrior any good. She managed to stand though, and was rewarded with a stunning smile. A smile that, like the woman’s green eyes, was filled with kindness and warmth. It affected her deeply, though she suspected it was because she hadn’t known much of either emotion lately.

  “Welcome, sisters. I am Princess Blakaea, but you may call me Blake.”

  “Princess,” Kale started, ignoring Blake’s words. “We must speak with the queen.”

  Blake’s fair eyebrows rose at Kale.

  “Please,” Shale added quickly, making it a plea rather than a demand. “It’s urgent.”

  Blake now focussed on Shale and nodded. “Very well. I will take you to her myself.”

  BLAKE ENTERED THE main lodge, knowing her mother was there. “My Queen,” she said, intentionally using her rank to let Zayla know she wasn’t here on personal business. She crossed to the table where her mother and two others were gathered. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have some guests who wish to see you immediately.”

  “Guests?” Zayla looked up from the map she was studying.

  “Fellow Amazons,” Blake said.

  “Bring them in.”

  Blake retraced her steps, opened the door, and gestured for them to come inside. She thought they might need to pause for a moment, to allow their eyes to adjust to the dimmer light, but neither woman faltered, following closely behind her.

  Blake stopped beside her mother, and both twins knelt as they had outside. Blake watched humorously as Melaina blinked upon seeing them, presumably thinking for an instant that she was seeing double.

  “I am Queen Zayla. You may stand.”

  They got to their feet. “I’m Shale. This is my sister, Kale.”

  Zayla smiled. “Twins. How extraordinary. Your mother has been doubly blessed.”

  “My Queen,” Shale said. “Our tribe was attacked five days ago, we have come to warn you of the threat.”

  “They weren’t just attacked,” Kale said, taking a step forward. “They were slaughtered, no one was spared.”

  Blake inhaled sharply. “Your entire tribe is dead?”

  “We’re the only ones left,” Shale replied flatly.

  Kale’s gaze was fixed on the queen. “We need reinforcements to fight back.”

  “You shall have them,” Zayla
said.

  Blake heard the exhalation as Kale let out a breath, seeming to calm considerably now that help was at hand.

  “Which tribe are you from?” a tall, powerfully built blonde inquired.

  Zayla placed a hand on her shoulder. “This is Aris, the leader of my warriors.” She tipped her head to a short butch woman with closely cropped brown hair, whose physique looked as solid as a rock. “Melaina is her second in command.”

  Shale nodded to them, then pointed to the map on the table. “May I?”

  “Please.” Zayla moved aside to make room for her.

  Shale tapped a spot on the map. “There. That’s where our tribe used to be.”

  Zayla looked impressed. “And it only took you five days to get here?”

  “Four, my Queen,” Shale said. “We spent the other trying to track down who did this.”

  “And?” Melaina asked.

  Shale drew a line with her finger. “We followed the trail to this river.” When Zayla frowned, she added, “We thought it best to consult you before going any farther.”

  “And I thank you both for your consideration. I realise it must have been difficult to restrain yourselves under the circumstances, but by not acting rashly you have shown good judgement, and not made the situation any worse.”

  “Whoever did this to our sisters knows about our feud with Kedross,” Blake said. “They’re smart. They know we can’t follow there.”

  “What do you mean?” Kale’s brow creased. “We have to—”

  “If an Amazon was even spotted on that land it would be considered an act of war,” Blake said. “Kedross wouldn’t hesitate to attack us.”

  Aris nodded. “Blake’s right. It would be a direct violation of our treaty.”

  “How do you know it wasn’t Kedross himself?” Kale asked defiantly, and louder than needed.

  “This feud has gone on for many winters,” Zayla said logically. “Why would he suddenly attack now? Nothing has happened to provoke it.”

  Blake was of the same mind as her mother. “He knows our tracking skills. He wouldn’t be careless enough to lead us straight back to him.”

  Kale’s frown deepened. “Unless he wants you to attack. He wouldn’t want to engage you on Amazon soil, you have the advantage in the forest.”

  “Precisely,” Zayla said. “Kedross isn’t stupid, he would lose too many men to such an attack. Was your village in a forest?”

  “Yes,” Shale responded, when Kale did not.

  “Then it wasn’t Kedross. He wouldn’t risk it,” Zayla said.

  “You’re just assuming that!” Kale shouted. “You don’t know what he’s capable of!”

  Complete silence met Kale’s outburst.

  Zayla merely smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “As I said, Kedross has been an opponent of the Amazon nation for many winters. I have studied both him, and his techniques for quite some time. I assure you I know precisely what he’s capable of.” Her tone hardened. “And I’m telling you, it wasn’t him.”

  Kale had the sense to stay quiet.

  “Now,” Zayla continued. “It is likely that Kedross knows who did this, but since he’ll never help us, I’m afraid we’ve hit a dead end.”

  “You’re giving up?” Kale exploded. “Our sisters are dead!”

  “Kale!” Shale scolded.

  “I am well aware of that.” Now Zayla’s voice was clipped. She stared directly at Kale. “What would you have me do?”

  “Go after him! Hunt him down.”

  “And risk my entire tribe?” Zayla shook her head. “I don’t think so. The only option left to us is patience. If this man is motivated enough to wipe out a tribe, he’ll be back, and we will be ready for him.”

  Kale turned and walked briskly out of the lodge. Without being dismissed.

  Shale received a dagger-like glare from Melaina. “I must apologise for my sister. She is upset and exhausted, though I realise that is no excuse.”

  Zayla nodded, graciously letting it go. “It is a difficult time for you both.” She dismissed Shale.

  SHALE SILENTLY LEFT the lodge. No doubt everyone in the village would know about that little altercation shortly. Arguing with the queen, that will help us to settle in, she thought sarcastically. They were outsiders here, and Kale wasn’t helping either of them by acting as she was. Kale always had been the more hot-tempered, often not thinking about the consequences of her actions. Shale had lost count of the times she’d had to step in to get Kale out of a tricky situation.

  As Shale reached the bottom step, the lodge door opened behind her. She kept going, not wanting to quarrel further, especially since emotions were running so high. She couldn’t blame them for being angry, she would have been herself if Amazons from a different tribe came in and started challenging her queen.

  A memory of Marlaya, her own queen, flashed through her mind, and a strong wave of grief hit her.

  “Shale?” a soft, calm voice called out to her.

  Shale turned, surprised to find the princess moving toward her. “Yes, Princess?”

  “Blake, please.”

  In her tribe, royalty had always been addressed as such. Since it was Blake’s preference, though, Shale knew she should respect it. “Sorry. Blake.”

  Blake came to a halt in front of her. “You’re apologising a lot today.”

  Tell me about it. “I know.” Shale’s mouth twitched. “Sorry.”

  Blake smiled. “Will you stop? You haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “I’m glad someone’s noticed,” Shale muttered, recalling the glare Melaina had given her, as if she herself had insulted the queen, even though it was Kale who had done so. Shale had come to expect that. Around strangers they were treated as one person.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing, it doesn’t matter.” Shale rubbed her temple, her headache now much worse. All of her tension had settled there, and she seriously considered asking the princess to knock her out. And if Blake wouldn’t, surely one of the women inside the lodge would? Shale suspected they would do it gladly, too.

  Blake gave her a concerned look. “Are you all right?”

  Shale immediately lowered her hand, her warrior pride rearing its head. She’d never liked to show weakness. “It’s been a long trek,” she said.

  “Our healer, Appollonia, is just there.” Blake indicated the very next lodge on her left. “I’m sure she could give you something if you’re in pain.”

  “I’m just tired. A good night’s sleep will suffice. Thank you.”

  “Where are you making camp?” Blake asked. “I’m afraid we don’t have any spare cabins.”

  Shale pointed toward a cluster of trees on the edge of the village. “We’ll be fine there,” she said.

  “Kale’s not going to do anything stupid, is she?” Blake asked bluntly.

  Shale liked her directness, finding it refreshing. She returned it. “Like go off and take revenge herself?”

  “Something like that, yes.”

  “Kale won’t go anywhere without me, and I’m not planning on doing any such thing. The queen is right, and her plan is sound. We’re staying put.”

  “Good. I’m glad you agree.” She hesitated. “I know it can’t be easy for you to just sit and wait, Shale, but we don’t have much choice.” Her voice softened. “We’ll have a funeral pyre tomorrow for those who were lost. I hope that will help you both.”

  Shale nodded sadly. “It will allow Kale and me to say goodbye.”

  Blake reached out and squeezed Shale’s arm in comfort. “Get some rest,” she said, then walked back toward the lodge.

  Chapter Two

  “YOU HAVE TO apologise to the queen, Kale,” Shale said, around a mouthful of apple.

  They had made camp amongst the trees, wanting the privacy it afforded them. They’d found a small area of clear, flat ground with a large boulder at its edge, and had built a campfire in the center, laying their bedrolls on either side.

  Shale stret
ched her legs. She felt a lot better this morning, the solid sleep had refreshed her completely. Except for some stiffness in her joints, her body had all but recovered.

  “I know,” Kale mumbled, eating her own apple. “I will, as soon as I see her.”

  They were making do with only fruit for breakfast. Neither wanted to go on another trek just yet. They knew the village had plenty of food to share, but after yesterday weren’t sure they’d be made very welcome. Amazons had a tendency to hold grudges.

  “No, Kale, you’re going to find her. You need to smooth things over.”

  “All right, I will!” Kale tossed the rest of her apple onto their small campfire. “I still can’t believe we’re not going to do anything. Our dead sisters would be ashamed of us.”

  “Endangering other Amazons isn’t the way to go. That won’t help anyone,” Shale repeated again. They’d had this conversation numerous times now.

  Kale picked up a stone and threw it hard. It bounced loudly off a tree stump. She took a calming breath. “Do you know when they’re lighting the pyre?”

  Shale shook her head. “No, I just know it’s today. I’ll go and speak to the princess this morning.”

  “No need,” Kale said quickly. “I’ll ask the queen.”

  “Fair enough. We’d best get going.” Shale stood and started to put out the fire, smothering the flames with the dirt around her feet. She herself didn’t need to go, but she wouldn’t let Kale face that kind of hostility alone. And she knew Kale would do the same for her.

  Sure enough, when they entered the village, the Amazons barely veiled their anger toward them, and some didn’t even try, glaring disapprovingly at them both.

  “Well, this is quite a welcome,” Kale muttered under her breath.