by K C Otenti
“We should focus on the matter at hand,” Ash said. “The Trappers are attacking more often now, and they have a much larger army than we have.”
“The county to the east has firepower,” Jesse said. “We could enlist them to help us.”
“They won’t want to be dragged into this,” Gideon argued. “Dawn said they refused to help last time.”
You need to take the idol, the Ostrich thought.
Aideen started, not expecting the mental intrusion. What idol?
Jimmy has an item that the Trappers have imbued with great power, the Ostrich thought. They believe it to be the reason your father never returned after the Legendary War. If the Refuse had the idol, the Trappers would fear you, and lose much of their perceived power.
“Aideen?” Ash asked.
“Sorry, what?”
“Did we lose you? Sterling asked for your thoughts.”
“Tell me about this idol the Trappers have.”
Sterling jumped in his seat. “How do you know about the idol?”
“The Ostrich just told me we should take it from them. She said they believe the idol is the reason my father never returned.”
“The Ostrich spoke to you?” Jesse asked. “How?”
“What does the idol have to do with your father?” Julie asked.
“Returned where?” Gideon’s eyes darted away when Aideen looked at him.
She caught everyone up on what she’d learned about broadcasting, the idol, and her father. “The Trappers seem to—” Aideen stopped as the Ostrich broadcast again.
There’s more, the Ostrich thought. The idol is a casing. It holds an Ostrich talon. The Trappers don’t want us to plant it.
“What’s wrong?” Gideon asked.
Aideen put her hand up. What do they want an Ostrich talon for? And why would we plant it?
If the talon is removed from the casing and placed in the Chasm, the Ostrich thought. A new Ostrich will grow. The Trappers know I am the last of my kind. They will be glad to see us die off. And without an Ostrich, I fear some Refuse may lose hope.
We still have you.
I won’t live forever, the Ostrich thought.
“We need to get the idol,” Aideen said. “There’s an Ostrich talon in it.”
Gideon’s quizzical look stood out among the wonder of the native D’Nalians.
“Planting an Ostrich talon in the Chasm will allow another Ostrich to grow,” Sterling told him.
Gideon slowly nodded and glanced at Aideen, one eyebrow raised. She shrugged.
“It will be dangerous to go after the idol,” Jesse said.
“We must try,” Ash said. “If the Trappers are that afraid of us taking possession . . .”
“We don’t know where it is,” Jesse said.
“No doubt it’s kept in the village,” Ash said. “Likely in Jimmy’s own home. He wouldn’t trust anyone else with it.”
“It’s a suicide mission,” Jesse said. “We’re outnumbered, with no chance of succeeding. What we need to do is stay here, fortify the building, and send for more help.”
“If just one or two of us went,” Aideen said. “We could sneak into the village. After dark, maybe, so they wouldn’t even notice.”
Ash shook his head.
“I like Aideen’s plan,” Gideon said before Ash could argue.
Jesse harrumphed.
Ash looked at each person in the room as if he were playing ‘Bubble Gum’ in his head. “Fine.”
“I’ll go,” Gideon volunteered.
“No, I’ll go.” Ash stood. “I need you to stay here. Everyone who has completed training must become trainers now. Finish with the others, train the nurses. Anyone who hasn’t wielded a weapon before must learn how.”
Gideon frowned but didn’t argue.
“Jesse, you mentioned enlisting help. Do it. Send messengers to the north and the east. See if anyone will join us. Emphasize the likelihood of the Trappers extending their domain if they defeat us.”
Jesse nodded.
“Julie and Sterling, make sure the Bo is as fortified as it can be and fully stocked with food and medical supplies. If we have to hunker down or care for many wounded, I want to be prepared.”
They nodded and murmured.
“I’ll go with you after the idol,” Aideen said.
“No,” Sterling said.
Ash hesitated.
“It was my idea,” Aideen said.
Ash cocked his head. “You said it was the Ostrich’s idea.”
“Then we can take her too.”
Gideon laughed as Ash grinned.
“You can come,” Ash said. “We’ll bring two others with us. We leave in an hour.”
Sterling slumped in his chair and glared at Ash.
What’s that about? Aideen turned back to Ash. “You don’t want to wait until it’s dark?” Aideen asked.
“The longer we wait, the bigger the advantage the Trappers have. If we’re going to do this, it has to happen now.”
“AIDEEN, THIS IS RIO.” Ash gestured as he introduced them.
“Rye-oh’s an unusual name,” Aideen said before taking another bite from the gojoos in her hand.
“It’s common in my family. Every firstborn male receives it.”
“Oh.” Aideen looked at Ash. “Were we going to have a fourth?”
“Gilmont’s on his way,” Rio said. “He was less eager to come.”
“I don’t blame him,” Aideen said. “You’re looking forward to this?”
“I am proud to serve the Ostrich, however I am called to do so.” Rio stood taller.
Aideen nodded and avoided eye contact until Gilmont arrived.
“Gilmont, this is Aideen,” Ash said. “The plan is to set out at a steady pace for the craglands. Aideen believes the Ostrich may assist us personally.”
“What would someone from Away know about whether the Ostrich would help?” Rio asked.
“She’s had help from the Ostrich before. Besides, the Ostrich has a vested interest in our succeeding.”
Rio shook his head, but Gilmont seemed impressed with Aideen’s connection.
Rio will come around when we get to the Chasm.
They left the Bo, packs light. Ash explained it would take three hours to get across the southern stretch of D’Nal Harrim to the Chasm. Aideen hoped, once they were there, the Ostrich would offer a ride the rest of the way. Otherwise, it would take twice as long.
THEY REACHED THE EDGE of the craglands shortly before midday. Travel through the grass and hardpan had been quick. Now they had to pick their way over the rocks, paying attention so as not to twist their ankles. Aideen broadcast to the Ostrich.
Ash and I, and two other Refuse, are on our way to you. We’re going after the idol but could use some help.
I can give two of you a ride to the Trapper village, the Ostrich thought.
Do you know where they’d be likely to have the idol?
Trapper Mansion, the Ostrich thought. The largest house, at the far end of the village. Their leader lives there.
Would you be able to come back for the other two, in case we need backup?
Yes, the Ostrich thought. That is reasonable.
Thank you. I hope this will be the start of a quick end to this mess.
AS THEY APPROACHED the Chasm, the Ostrich flew straight up into the air, like a phoenix rising from ashes. She hovered for a moment before spiraling down to meet her visitors. She stood facing the quartet, stretching her wings to their full length before tucking them back.
“Long live the Ostrich,” Rio breathed, and bowed.
Gilmont looked at Rio, then at Ash and Aideen. He seemed at a loss for the proper greeting. He settled on bowing his head, combined with a quick salute. Aideen tried not to laugh.
Tell them to stop or I won’t help, the Ostrich thought.
Aideen couldn’t hold back the laughter after that comment.
“What’s so funny?” Rio asked.
“The Ostrich doesn’t appreciate all
the pomp and circumstance. She won’t help us if you can’t act normal.”
“The Ostrich would never say that.”
I would and did, the Ostrich thought. I will not condone such idiocy.
Rio’s expression told Aideen he had heard the broadcast.
“The Ostrich will help us get to the village,” Aideen said. “She’ll take Ash and me to the far side of the village first, where the idol likely is. Then she’ll be back for you two.”
“What are we supposed to do, wait?” Gilmont asked.
I will meet you at the western edge of the south woods, the Ostrich thought.
Rio nodded, but Gilmont still seemed to be waiting for an answer.
“Start through the woods.” Aideen pointed. “She’ll meet you at the other side.”
The Ostrich turned to let Ash and Aideen climb onto her back. They took off into the afternoon sky.
They passed over the forest Shay brought Aideen through, after she had escaped from Jay Ridge the first time. She remembered how her second time in this part of the country was by her own choice. And here she was again, headed straight for trouble. With luck, the third time would be the charm for her, not the Trappers.
Beyond the forest was a field. Aideen could see Jay Ridge to the north. They flew over more trees before coming to a grouping of dark houses much too large to qualify as a village. With the houses arranged in concentric circles, roads bisected the village leading north to south and east to west, like crosshairs. At the center of the village was an enormous statue of a Turkey striking an intimidating pose.
There are so many houses.
And even more Trappers, the Ostrich thought.
What have we gotten into?
The Ostrich didn’t reply. She circled over a patch of land several yards beyond the very last—and very large—house and descended.
Ash and Aideen slid down and stood looking at the old Victorian-esque building. It wasn’t colorfully painted, as Victorians usually are; rather, the siding was natural, dark wood.
“Those look like hand-hewn shakes,” Aideen said.
“Can we focus?” Ash asked.
Good luck, the Ostrich thought as she rose into the air.
Aideen nodded and looked back at the house. A shadow passed in an upstairs window. Ash motioned for her to get close to the wall, and Aideen hoped Jimmy hadn’t seen them land.
“We need to figure out how to get in.” Ash leaned away from the house and looked down its length. “There’s the door down there, or we go in the window right here.”
“Can we open the window from here?” Aideen reached to try.
Ash tried to help, but they couldn’t budge it.
“I’ll go in through the door, then pass the idol out to you through the window,” Ash said.
“Why don’t we both go in?”
“Two people will make more noise than one. We’re more likely to get caught that way. As soon as I hand it off, go. Don’t wait for me to get back out. I’ll make sure no one follows you.”
“I won’t leave you.”
“You won’t be leaving me. I’ll be right behind you. I just don’t want you to hesitate. Every extra moment you’re here, you’re in more danger and more likely to be caught. The sooner we get the idol away from them, the sooner we get the advantage. Now stay here. I’ll be as quick as I can.”
Ash hugged the wall as he made his way to the door. He fidgeted with the lock, but it soon popped open. He slid inside and eased the door shut behind him.
Aideen shifted her weight from one foot to the other as the minutes passed in silence. Finally, the window above her slid open.
“Take it and run,” he handed the idol to her. “I hear them coming down the stairs.”
“But I can’t—”
“Go!” Ash gave her shoulder a small shove. “Now!”
Aideen hugged the idol—small enough to have fit into a catcher’s mitt—to her chest. She scurried toward their landing point as something ceramic broke inside the house. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw two people struggling on the other side of the window. She reached the landing point but there was no sign of the Ostrich. Not surprising. It hadn’t been that long yet. She found a tree thick enough to hide her from the view of the house as she awaited the Ostrich’s return.
Aideen fiddled with the idol and peered toward the house every few seconds, fearing the worst for Ash. She leaned her back against the tree and rocked side to side. Finally, a shadow passed overhead and the Ostrich circled down to the clearing.
“What do we do?” Aideen asked, forgetting to broadcast. “They caught Ash.”
The Ostrich honked loud enough to echo through the village.
“Are you crazy? Everyone will know we’re here.”
Not everyone can hear my broadcast, remember? the Ostrich thought. Let’s find them.
Aideen hopped onto the Ostrich’s back, and they flew to the front of the mansion. Rio and Gilmont were running in from the east. Jimmy was marching Ash down the front stairs. As the Ostrich landed, Trappers came to their front doors.
“Well, isn’t this a fun little party,” Jimmy said. “You even brought the Ostrich. Interesting choice.”
He turned to Aideen and wrapped his arm around Ash’s throat.
“Give me the idol, and perhaps I won’t snap his neck.”
“Don’t . . . do it,” Ash wheezed.
He’s right, Young One, the Ostrich thought. It’s too important to let them keep it. We must leave here with it.
But he’ll kill Ash! We can’t let him do that.
We must, the Ostrich thought. Ash knows what he’s doing. He knew you wouldn’t all make it back. But YOU must make it back. With the idol. Get on my back and let’s get out of here.
I can’t. Aideen held out the idol.
Jimmy laughed as he grabbed it. Without hesitation, he stabbed Ash in the heart with it.
Chapter Sixteen
Gilmont attacked Jimmy. Aideen, squeezing back tears, kneeled beside Ash’s body. Rio stood behind her line of sight.
“I’m so sorry,” she murmured.
The idol fell to Aideen’s left. She picked it up and stood, watching Gilmont struggle.
I could kill Jimmy now.
And you’d never get out of here alive, thought the Ostrich. The whole village is watching.
Aideen looked around at the houses. Each one had someone standing in the doorway, and several Trappers were coming to Jimmy’s aid.
Rio brandished his knife, with his back to Aideen and the Ostrich, ready to attack anyone who tried. Aideen pulled on his arm.
“You and I need to get out of here.”
“What about—” Rio turned as Gilmont fell.
Jimmy lifted a foot and smashed it down on Gilmont’s head.
“Come on.” Aideen leaped onto the Ostrich.
Rio vaulted on behind her, and the Ostrich took off.
They were soaring over the south woods as a screech emanated from behind them. Aideen peered around Rio to see three Turkeys gaining on them.
The Ostrich landed just short of the Chasm, letting Aideen and Rio off before turning to face the oncoming threat.
Leave me, Young One, the Ostrich thought. You must return with the idol. I will hold them off.
Aideen hesitated. She wasn’t keen on leaving the Ostrich alone and outnumbered against the Turkeys. But if they failed in getting the idol back to the Bo . . .
Rio pulled on her arm, and they turned to go. Aideen looked over her shoulder as the Ostrich charged at one Turkey. She knocked it down, only to be tag teamed by the other two Turkeys. The Ostrich screamed. Blood spouted.
“No!” Aideen stopped and tried to go back to help the Ostrich, but Rio grabbed her.
“We can’t leave her—” Aideen stopped as she watched in horror as the Turkeys tore the Ostrich apart. Her stomach churned and she gagged.
“Come on, let’s get this idol home. Gideon will want to know you’re safe.”
“But. .
.”
“Shh. We’re still in danger of being followed.”
They ran toward the Bo.
AIDEEN AND RIO RETURNED to the Brown Ostrich, breathless. Aideen couldn’t remember ever sustaining a run for so long. And still, her fears waited for her. Her stomach dropped when faced with having to deliver the news.
Sterling and Gideon ran out to meet them.
“You made it!” Gideon stopped in front of Aideen and stared at the object in her hands. “You got the idol.”
“The others?” Sterling asked. The look in his eyes excused Aideen from having to say it aloud. “What happened?”
“We went to the Ostrich,” Rio started. “And—”
“Wait,” Aideen said. “Let’s gather everyone. I don’t think I can handle more than one telling.”
“Rio, spread the word,” Sterling said. “We’ll meet in the dining hall.”
Rio nodded and went inside.
“May I?” Gideon held his hands out.
Aideen gave him the idol and looked at Sterling. He put an arm around her.
Gideon turned the idol over. “How can something so small be so important?”
AIDEEN AND RIO STOOD in front of a sea of hopeful faces. Sterling stood behind them, while Gideon cradled the idol next to him.
Aideen cleared her throat and related her story to the Refuse. Rio chimed in here and there, offering details Aideen had missed. The crowd cried out when they got to the part where Jimmy killed Ash. There were murmurs at the news they had escaped with the idol, but all hell broke loose when the Refuse heard about the Ostrich.
“Heretic!”
“Devil!”
“She killed the Ostrich, sure as if she had slit the beast’s throat herself!”
Refuse shoved and cried and shouted. Aideen looked at Sterling. If they didn’t do something fast, they’d have an angry mob on their hands. And they’d be out for Aideen’s blood.
“The Trappers brought her over,” another Refuse shouted. “We shouldn’t have trusted her.”
Sterling called for silence, but no one responded. He stood on a table and emitted an ear-piercing whistle. The crowd hushed.
“It’s true, we have suffered two major losses,” Sterling started.
“And it’s all that nonpat’s fault! Send her to Jay Ridge!”
Aideen didn’t know what a ‘nonpat’ was, but she could tell it wasn’t good.