Amazonia

by Croft, Sky

  Kale leaned on Amber as she got to her feet.

  “I’m afraid I can’t offer to carry you,” Amber joked, reminding Kale of their first meeting.

  Kale chuckled. “I’m all right.”

  “You’ve been stabbed,” Amber pointed out dryly. She then became serious, cupping the back of Kale’s neck. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  Kale kissed her gently, touched by Amber’s concern. “I’m fine.”

  Amber nodded, and guided her out into the tunnel. Kale couldn’t sprint, but she broke into a jog, seeing her sisters were struggling to keep Theron’s army at bay.

  Aris yelled as they passed by. “Fall back!”

  Kale stopped when she reached the cavern full of supplies. “You release the horses,” she instructed Amber.

  Amber didn’t question her reasons, and continued on without her. She soon had the animals’ pen open, and striking her sword against the rock made them flee.

  Amber kept eight horses locked in, mounted one, and led another into the tunnel beside her for Kale.

  With her teeth, Kale uncorked the bottle that she’d retrieved from the supply cavern, pouring the ale in a thick line that stretched right across the width of the tunnel. She went through several bottles, but managed to get it done before her sisters reached it. Kale grabbed a torch from the wall, and whistled to Aris.

  Aris clearly saw what Kale intended to do, for she said, “Together. Push them back!” Her warriors surged forward, shoving the soldiers away, causing many to lose their balance and crash into the row behind.

  The Amazons turned and ran.

  Kale lit the alcohol, and the flame darted along the line, burning brightly. It was close, but every Amazon made it through before the fire blocked the passage behind them.

  Kale knew that the army wouldn’t be held back for long, as the fire could be put out with dirt. It would give them the time they needed though.

  Aris, bringing up the rear, was the last to a horse. She jumped on it bareback, clutched its mane, and kicked it on, following her sisters out of the cave and disappearing into the darkness.

  Chapter Fourteen

  WHEN SHALE CAME to, they were in a forest, and she blurrily noted several sets of hooves.

  “Blake,” she murmured, though it came out sounding more like a moan than a name. She felt an answering kiss on the back of her neck.

  “Shh. It’s all right, Shale. It’s all right,” Blake said, her voice impossibly gentle.

  Shale’s vision started to darken again, but she didn’t fight it. Blake’s words of comfort had soothed her, and she drifted into unconsciousness once more.

  KALE BROUGHT HER horse closer to Blake’s. “Did she wake?”

  Blake nodded. “Briefly.”

  “All right, we’re far enough away. Let’s stop here and treat the wounded,” Aris said.

  Kale looked skyward as she slowed her horse. They were fortunate that the clouds had shifted, revealing a full and bright moon overhead. The trees around had grown sparse, allowing the light to shine down unfiltered. Despite the night sky, she could see quite well.

  Aris drew to a halt and dismounted. “Charis, Anataeus, start making a litter. Demetria, sit down, I need to stitch that arm.”

  Though exhausted, no one delayed, and the warriors all went into motion.

  Aris helped Amber to lift Shale off the horse. They laid her carefully on the blanket that Kale placed on the ground.

  Blake was soon beside them, and she tipped out the contents of her bag. Amber selected the fine bone needle, and threaded it with the yarn. Kale draped another blanket over Shale, though this time it was over her legs. She then uncovered her top half.

  “Gods,” Aris uttered, upon seeing Shale’s injuries.

  Kale touched Shale’s pale skin. “She’s too cold.”

  “We can’t afford a fire, Kale,” Aris said. “The light will give away our position.”

  Kale nodded. She knew that. Using her left hand, she stretched across and retrieved the two small bottles. After checking them, Kale held one out to Blake. “Sprinkle that on her wounds.”

  Blake took the bottle, tipping her head in acknowledgement.

  Kale then turned to Aris, who was filling the mug from a waterskin. Kale traded her the other bottle for the mug. “Put four pinches in,” Kale said.

  Aris did as instructed, not quibbling as to who was in charge.

  When complete, Kale added, “Make sure the litter is strong enough to hold two.” Shale needed body heat, and another person beside her would help to keep her warm.

  Aris nodded, then put the bottle down beside Kale and moved away.

  Shale didn’t even stir while Amber stitched the deepest of her wounds. Blake patched the others as best she could, dusting the herb over them before they were covered. There were so many lacerations, that by the time they had finished, the litter had been constructed and attached to the horse.

  Shale’s body was mottled with bruises, but it was her stomach that worried Kale the most. It was dark and discolored, and Kale wondered about internal bleeding. Kale looked up into Blake’s concerned face, and knew she was thinking the same thing.

  Kale indicated the drink, and Blake lifted Shale’s head. Kale poured it in a little bit at a time, so Shale wouldn’t choke. She felt Amber start to work on her own injuries, but Kale focussed on the task at hand.

  “Do you feel any different, Kale?” Blake asked. “Now that Theron’s dead?”

  Kale was pleased for a distraction from the pain. She thought about Blake’s question seriously for a long moment. “No, not at all. I guess the mystic must have been mistaken.”

  “It’s been known to happen,” Amber said. Kale tipped the last of the drink into Shale’s mouth, and Blake wiped away the liquid that spilled down her chin. Kale held out the mug to Blake. “Can you mix me some?” She hated to ask for help, but she couldn’t do much with one hand. “Sure. Four pinches?” At Kale’s confirmation, she set to work.

  “Blake, I need you to travel in the litter with Shale. Use your body to keep her warm,” Kale said. “I’ll ride the horse.” They couldn’t afford to wait until daybreak, and would continue on through the night. Shale was too weak. If a fever kicked in, she would need the expertise of their healer.

  Kale drained the mug Blake gave her, almost retching at the taste. “That’s foul.”

  “You’re hurt, you should—”

  “I’ll ride,” Kale repeated firmly, her mind made up.

  Blake nodded, not arguing with her.

  Amber finished stitching Kale. “Stay still till I splint your wrist,” she said, moving away to fetch some sturdy sticks from the forest. When she returned, Amber positioned the supports on either side of Kale’s wrist, and held them there as Blake wound the bandage round.

  Blake then put everything else back into her bag, stood, and gave it to Aris to treat the others with.

  “You and Kale ride on,” Aris said. “We’ll follow on foot and cover our tracks.”

  “All right,” Blake said. “We’ll see you back at the village.” She waited until Shale was placed on the litter before climbing in herself. Blake wrapped her body around Shale’s, wincing at the coldness of her skin. Blake moved closer still, and they were both swaddled from head to toe in blankets.

  Kale didn’t waste a moment, mounting the horse and clicking her tongue to encourage it forward.

  Amber frowned as they started to leave, clearly wanting to go with them.

  Aris took pity on her. “Are you going or what?”

  Amber grinned, gave Aris’s arm a squeeze, then ran to a horse.

  “WE’LL SOON HAVE you home, Shale.” Blake kissed her cheek. “Appollonia will fix you up, don’t you worry.” Blake’s throat was sore, she’d been talking to Shale for that long, but she wanted her to know she was there. She kept talking, soothing her with words of comfort.

  The litter shook slightly as the ground became uneven, and Blake tightened her hold, keeping Shale ste
ady. Shale’s eyelids fluttered, but they didn’t open.

  “I have you, sweetheart,” Blake vowed quietly. “You’re safe.”

  Blake could have sworn a ghost of a smile appeared, but it was gone before she could be certain.

  “Shale?” Blake waited, but didn’t get a response. “It’s all right,” she added. “You rest.”

  Kale came back to check on them, as she had many times. They didn’t stop moving though, Amber guiding the horse alongside her own. “How’s she doing?”

  Blake looked troubled. “Warming up, but I think she’s getting a fever.”

  Kale leaned over and felt Shale’s forehead. “Damn,” she cursed, her brow knitting. “You’re right.”

  Kale brushed Shale’s cheek tenderly, and Blake finally saw the woman beneath the warrior. A moment later, she was gone, and Kale straightened as she gathered her composure.

  Kale returned to the saddle, and made the horse pick up its pace.

  BOTH HER HANDS were being held, and as Shale slowly opened her eyes, she saw Blake on her left, Kale to her right. Amber was there, too, her head resting on Kale’s shoulder. All were slouched over the bed, fast asleep. And they looked as bad as she felt.

  She was in Appollonia’s cabin—a place she recognised well from her frequent visits. She tried to talk, but all that emerged was an unpleasant rasping. It still had the desired effect, and all three heads snapped up.

  “You’re awake!” Blake exclaimed, utter relief on her features.

  “You had us worried, Shale,” Kale scolded, though she smiled at her.

  Shale squeezed their hands lightly, dismayed by the amount of effort it took.

  Appollonia appeared, and touched Shale’s forehead, a pleased expression crossing her face. “Her fever has broken.”

  Blake burst into tears, and Shale wondered what had happened to make her so upset.

  “You’ve been out for two days, Shale,” Appollonia said. “We almost lost you.”

  Shale was shocked. No wonder Blake was in such a state. No wonder they all looked exhausted. “I...” She strained to speak.

  “You’ll be weak for a while.” Appollonia fetched a mug of water. “Slow sips.”

  Blake raised her up slightly, supporting Shale’s head. She managed a few sips, pleased when it removed some of the dryness from her throat.

  “Had to...keep my word.” Shale smiled tiredly at Blake.

  Blake beamed at her, amidst her tears. “Yes, you did.” She wiped them away. “And I thank you for that, Shale, from the bottom of my heart.”

  Ever the modest warrior, Shale’s eyes twinkled. “It was...nothing.”

  Blake shook her head in amusement, then leaned in and kissed her gently, but devotedly.

  Shale’s smile strengthened. “For a reward,” she had to pause, “like that,” she was about to say that maybe she should get hurt more often, when she got her response.

  “Don’t you dare.” Kale replied sternly.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Blake said, equally firm.

  “Looks like you’re outvoted,” Amber said, grinning when Shale gave a short chuckle.

  “Looks...like.”

  “THERON BROKE IT,” Kale answered, though Shale hadn’t asked a question. She didn’t need to, Kale had seen her observing the bound wrist.

  “Is...”

  “He’s dead,” Kale said

  “His army?”

  Amber leaned forward. “We covered our tracks. They don’t know where we are.”

  “They’ve likely dispersed,” Kale said. “But we have extra guards on patrol just in case.”

  Shale’s eyes darted nervously to the door, as though she expected an army of men to come barging in at any moment.

  “Don’t worry,” Blake said, “You’re safe here.”

  Shale’s breathing had quickened slightly, and she looked uncomfortable. “Tight,” she gasped.

  All eyes flew to Appollonia, who came over swiftly. “You’ll feel restricted around your middle, Shale, I have wrapped your ribs to give them support. Is that what you’re feeling? Or is it inside?”

  Shale focussed, concentrating on her breathing for a moment. “Bandage,” she finally said, hearing sighs of relief being released around her. Shale glanced at them meekly. “Sorry.”

  Blake smiled and squeezed her hand.

  “Your back is covered also, that whip cut you up pretty badly,” Appollonia said.

  “But look at it this way, you’ve got a lot more scars to add to your collection,” Kale said. “The wound on your side is a beauty.”

  Shale perked up a little. “Can I see?”

  Appollonia shook her head. “Later, Shale, when your bandage needs changing. You shouldn’t be moved unnecessarily.”

  Shale was disappointed, until she realised that her ribs would have to be unwrapped first, before Appollonia could get to the dagger slice on her side. Then she saw her point.

  “Well, at least you have something to look forward to now,” Kale said, drawing a mortified sound from Blake. “What?”

  Blake just shook her head, and Shale smiled.

  “Warriors,” Amber imitated Blake perfectly, making her laugh outright.

  “Precisely,” Blake said. Her tone became wry. “I’m surprised you haven’t shown her your injury yet.”

  Kale’s eyebrows rose. “I’d forgotten.” She reached down to her side and began to remove her bandage. “Thanks for reminding me.” Kale grinned when Blake rolled her eyes.

  Shale shifted a fraction, trying to get a better view. She grimaced as searing pain lanced through her, and she thought better of it, staying put.

  “Don’t try to move,” Appollonia said.

  Shale couldn’t have continued anyway, that slight movement had taken most of her energy. She felt Blake’s thumb caressing the back of her hand, and when the pain had subsided, she gave her a small smile.

  “There,” Kale said, revealing her stitches. “What do you think?”

  With effort, Shale turned her head. “Stabbed?”

  “With Theron’s dagger,” Kale said.

  “Mine, too,” Shale said simply.

  “Really?” Kale sounded surprised. “That’s a first.”

  “What is?” Blake asked.

  “We don’t all speak twin,” Amber said good-naturedly.

  Kale snickered. “Shale’s saying the slice on her side was made by Theron’s dagger, too.”

  “I got that,” Blake said. “Why is it a first?”

  “Because no one has ever been good enough to scar both of us,” Kale said. “And in the same place, too. How weird.” A thoughtful expression crossed her face. Amber took the bandage from Kale and started to rewrap her wound, and Kale brushed her cheek in thanks.

  Shale’s eyes widened at the intimate gesture, especially since Amber didn’t look at all surprised. She caught Kale’s gaze, not wanting to ask outright in case she was mistaken. Kale nodded, confirming that the relationship had developed beyond mere friendship, and Shale returned her smile, exceptionally happy for her.

  Shale noticed that Blake was watching the silent interaction amusedly, and seemed to know what they were referring to.

  Amber tucked the end of the bandage underneath the rest of the binding, and looked up, clearly taken aback to see them all smiling at her. “What have I done?”

  “Nothing,” Blake said.

  Amber’s eyes narrowed. “Is my hair sticking out or something?” she said, twirling red curls around her fingers.

  “No.” Kale laughed.

  Shale chuckled too, though she stopped quickly when it pulled on her ribs.

  “How is the pain, Shale?” Appollonia asked. “Do you want—”

  “No drink,” Shale said. She couldn’t possibly stomach any of that vile substance. Shale knew she would just be sick, and the retching motion would cause her considerable pain. She was so tired of hurting. She couldn’t stand any more. The possibility of it alone made her panic.

  “No,”
she repeated. Shale shook her head as well as she was able, which wasn’t very much given her weakened state, but it alerted them to her distress.

  “It’s all right, Shale,” Blake reassured quickly, placing a soothing hand on Shale’s temple to keep her head still. “You’ve already had it. We gave it to you when you were still out.”

  “You don’t need to have any,” Appollonia said. “I was just making sure you didn’t want any more. And I can see that you don’t.”

  Shale didn’t calm down, though she recognised that this was about a lot more than just the drink. Her mind was reacting to the trauma she’d recently gone through.

  “Shh,” Blake said. “We’re right here, Shale.” She gently stroked her brow. “You’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you. You’re all right. All of us are all right.” As Shale started to relax, Blake smiled softly at her. “That’s it, Shale. Shh. Shh.”

  Shale’s eyelids drooped heavily, but she tried to resist going to sleep.

  Again, Blake read her well. “Don’t fight it, sweetheart. Just close your eyes.”

  Blue eyes shut. “Don’t...go.” The pleading note was evident in Shale’s voice.

  “I won’t, love,” Blake promised. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

  AS SHALE SUCCUMBED to sleep, Kale gave Blake a grateful nod. “You’re so much better at that than I am.”

  “You all need to rest as well,” Appollonia said quietly. “Please make use of the other beds,” she added, since no one was willing to leave.

  “I’ll sit with her,” Blake said firmly, her gaze never shifting from Shale.

  Kale stood, walked around Shale’s bed, and gripped the next bed’s frame with her hand. “Move out of the way, Blake,” she said. Once Blake had done so, Kale lifted one end of the bed, and set it down next to Shale’s. She then repeated the process, making the bed into a double.

  “I’ll have to remember that,” Appollonia said. “I often have people who won’t leave loved ones.”

  Blake touched Kale’s arm appreciatively. “This is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me.” She lay down, clasped Shale’s hand, and was asleep within moments.