by Jeri Baird
They each pulled their patron closer, but one by one, they nodded. The teens stood and linked arms. Paal joined last. “We’ll fight together,” he said.
Somber faces stared at each other around the circle, and all of their hearts thumped as loud as Alexa’s.
“Together,” they each repeated as they filed from the room.
3
Alexa woke before dawn and checked her embroidery, pleased to see Zander’s figure remained still. She stitched lavender and mint in the open patch next to him and smiled at the idea of him waking to the fragrance of the herbs. She folded the cloth, grabbed the bag of tokens the others had donated for Zander, and hurried down the stairs to the bakery.
Fresh loaves of oat bread sat cooling on racks. Alexa carried a tray of rolls to the counter and brushed them with butter.
“You’re awake early.” Mother shaped balls of dough into small, round loaves. She sprinkled them with rosemary and used a knife to slice an X across the tops.
“I’m going on a picnic. Can I make sandwiches?”
After loading the tray of bread into the oven, Mother leaned against the counter and wiped the flour off her hands. “Who are you going with and where?”
“Paal, Cobie, and Kaiya, from class.” Alexa used her mother’s weakness. “We thought it would help us in the quest if we spent time in the gulch.”
“Are you interested in one of these boys?”
Alexa’s cheeks warmed. She hadn’t expected that question, but at least she could answer honestly.
“No, Mother. We’re friends. That’s all.”
Mother pushed away from the counter. “I have a carrot cake that rose unevenly. While you make sandwiches, I’ll ice it and you can take it too.”
“Thanks, Mother.” After Alexa packed a basket with sandwiches and apples, she sat the cake on top. She kissed her mother’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ll be home this afternoon.”
While she waited outside for the others, Alexa watched her mother through the bakery window as she pushed back sweaty hair and struggled with heavy trays of dough. A pang of guilt ran through her that she wasn’t staying in the bakery when the quest completed. She might not marry an elder’s son, but she wasn’t going to be a baker.
Cobie startled Alexa when he appeared silently next to her. His chameleon clung to the front of his tunic. Cobie whispered, “I’ve never ridden. Have you?”
Alexa held out shaking hands. “No, and I’m nervous. Don’t tell Paal, but I’m afraid of horses. And Cobie? I hate the gulch. I don’t know what I’ll do if Puck talks to me.”
In the dimmest of light, Kaiya arrived with her bow over one shoulder and Korble riding on the other. Paal followed leading a horse and two ponies. Silk trotted behind. “The ponies are easier to ride. They’ll follow my horse without your guidance.” He took Alexa’s hand. “Come, I’ll help you mount.”
Alexa flushed. Paal sat so close behind her his breath felt warm on her neck. Cobie and Kaiya looked terrified on the ponies, but Kaiya hid it better. She sat straight in the saddle as she took long slow breaths.
Cobie paled under his dark skin, and he kept patting the pony’s neck, saying, “Good girl, good girl.”
As the sun peeked over a clear horizon, the four entered the gulch.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Two Months Three Days until the Quest
Zander
Shadow curled at his side when Zander woke to the smell of mint. Plants had sprouted overnight in the rich soil between the gully stream and the stand of trees he’d slept in. As he stretched, he detected the soothing fragrance of lavender, as well. He added kindling to the embers left from last night’s fire, poked at it until it blazed, and then set a tin mug of water on one of the rough granite stones that ringed the fire pit. He’d make herb tea to go with his breakfast of apple cake that Alexa had insisted he bring.
It was his third day in the gulch. He’d spent his time in silence and hunting as necessary. Even Puck had been silent, as if leaving Zander to his own musings. As he savored the morning stillness, he examined his situation.
Although Dharien had stolen his tokens, Zander had time to earn new ones before the quest began in two months. He didn’t understand why Dharien had hated him since the day they met, but he knew now how far his adversary would go to cause him troubles. He could never trust him.
Melina Odella had betrayed him. Better to know now than later. Another person not to trust. And the priest? Also on the “do not trust” list.
Knowing the reason for his father’s pain, he understood why he drank, but it made him unpredictable. Untrustworthy.
For the first time in his life, he had friends, but Greydon, Cobie, Odo, and Kaiya had not been his companions long. Their friendship remained untested.
He trusted Alexa, and only her. It was as if his heart had been a half until they met. Now, it had become whole.
Anger still wrestled with the love in his heart, but it no longer overcame it. The time had come to use the black and red stone.
Reflecting on Tshilaba’s whispered words, he turned inward. She said his name meant defender of all. She’d said his answers were in his heart, to let go of what he thought he understood, and when the silence came, to hold the stone to his heart.
As the sun began to warm him, Zander relaxed against the rough bark of an oak tree. He crossed his legs and laid his bow and quiver on the ground in front of him. Shadow kept guard at his side. Ready at last to find his answers, Zander released a long breath.
Opening the gray bag he carried at his waist, Zander poured the trinkets into his palm. The gold fox and mountain lion tokens sparkled in the light against the black of the panther and horse. He still didn’t know if the horse would help or challenge him. And the magic of the red and black stone tingled in his palm, neither token nor omen. He dropped the animals in the bag and tucked it under his tunic.
Zander rubbed the round stone between his thumb and fingers and puzzled over the change. When Tshilaba had given it to him the red and black shared equal space. Now the black had crept across the surface until only a bit of red remained at the tip.
Uncertain how to use the stone, Zander held it in his right hand and closed his eyes. He took in a breath, and released it slowly, continuing with the measured breaths until his shoulders relaxed and the knot in his stomach released. After three more breaths, the sounds of the forest filled his being.
Oak leaves rustled like the wings of birds in flight.
A duck swam downstream with a subtle splash.
He cocked his head at a woodpecker’s sharp cry as it searched for insects.
As he inhaled the tangy green life, a whisper of a breeze ruffled his hair.
With his eyes closed, Zander experienced the gulch differently. He needed to approach life in a new way too. Before he brought the stone to his heart, he mulled over what he needed to let go.
Anger. It threatened his relationship with the one person he trusted. His twin.
He’d been foolish to dream of becoming a Protector. It was time to let it go.
Sweeping his hand across his chest, Zander held the stone at his heart.
He waited.
He had no concept of how long he sat, but gradually a tingle started in his heart and spread throughout his chest. The energy encompassed his neck and head. It traveled through his legs and into his arms. When the vibration returned to the stone, it grew stronger and journeyed again through his body.
Still, he waited.
On the third wave of energy, Zander stepped away from his body. He observed himself sitting under the tree, eyes closed, hand clutched at his heart.
He witnessed the anger and the love at war over his heart. Black and red mist swirled around his body; sometimes more black, sometimes more red.
He ached for the little boy who felt unloved and for the older boy wh
o was bullied and betrayed.
After long moments, Zander opened his heart. He held enough love to overcome the pain he’d endured.
His spirit eased back into his body. As he adjusted to sight, Zander studied the stone in his hand. The black was gone. Only the red remained.
For an hour, maybe for two, Zander sat under the tree, reluctant to lose the peace. He thought he imagined voices calling his name, until he recognized Alexa’s.
When he stood, calm settled deep into his bones. It was part of him now and would be there when needed, like drawing cool water from a well.
A whinny drew Zander’s attention. A horse and two ponies appeared through the trees, picked their way across the stream, and trotted to his side. Paal helped Alexa from the horse. Zander couldn’t hide his smile. He couldn’t stay on a horse, but it seemed his sister could.
She ran to hug him and then pulled away. “What happened to you? I can feel it. You’re different.”
“It’s hard to explain. I’m not sure I understand it myself.” Zander gazed across at the others, and Kaiya’s shy smile filled him with warmth. “What are you all doing here?”
Cobie slid from the saddle. “Alexa asked us to help find you.”
“We have news,” Paal added. “It’s not good.”
Alexa hesitated. “The quest begins in three days.” She explained what had happened since he’d left.
“So Dharien is still calling the shots and willing to risk everyone’s lives because he hates me?”
“We’ve chosen to work together.” Kaiya touched him arm. “We won’t lose you in the quest, Zander.”
“With the help of the embroidery, we’re going to survive.” Alexa pulled out a green velvet bag. “And each of the others have shared a few of their tokens with you.”
Solemn faces focused on Zander as he gazed from Alexa to Paal to Cobie, and last to Kaiya. He ducked his head and slipped the bag around his neck.
“Tell them thanks. I’ll return before the quest.”
“Won’t you come with us now?” Alexa’s face fell. “Tomorrow is the blessing of the questers at church.”
Zander laughed. “As if I’d let Father Chanse bless me? Melina Odella would probably curse me instead.” He leaned close and whispered, “I’m not ready to return. I need a little more time here.”
“Will you be all right?” Alexa searched his face.
He smiled. “I promise I will be.”
“Zander, we’ll work together, and we will survive the quest.”
His smile faded. “I hope so, my sister, I hope so.”
She glanced around nervously. “Has Puck spoken to you?”
“Not a whisper.”
Her shoulders relaxed and she patted his arm. “Are you hungry? I brought lunch. For now, we can forget about the quest.” She untied the basket from Cobie’s pony and spread a red-and-white checked cloth on the ground next to the tree.
They sat under the oak. Zander’s calm spread to the others as they shared sandwiches made with cold rabbit and goat cheese on rye bread. He noticed Kaiya’s bow.
“How’s the practice coming?” Zander asked and grinned when she blushed.
“We’re both getting better, but I still beat Odo. And I’m not bragging, it’s the truth.”
“I bet you can. You’re a fast learner. Show me?”
He studied Kaiya’s stance as she shot and once stood behind her with his hands on her arms to improve her aim. He felt muscles that weren’t there the first time he’d taught her. She also had a new confidence, and strangely, Zander’s heart filled with pride for her.
When they walked to the others, Alexa looked at him questioning, but he ignored it when he spied the carrot cake. His eyes gleamed. “This is my favorite cake of Mother’s.”
“When have you eaten Mother’s cakes?”
“Father used to bring bread and sweets home late at night. I wondered where they came from until I followed him to the bakery that night.” He stuck his nose close to the cake. “I love the smell of baking.”
Alexa wrinkled her nose. “Try living above the kitchen and see how much you love it.”
“I’d like that,” he said. “I’d like that a lot.”
They spent another hour enjoying the sun and each other’s company, sharing light hearts and peace while their patrons napped. In a moment of quiet, a moan whispered across the gulch.
“Zander.”
He stiffened. No one else seemed to hear it. Why did he?
“Unite the tribes. Save the village.”
“Shut up, Puck,” he muttered.
Alexa’s eyes widened. “Do you hear him?”
Zander rubbed the back of his neck. “How do you not?” His eyes searched the other’s. “No one?”
They all shook their heads.
“Four now convene. Add the fifth.”
Zander cocked his head. That was new. He blanched as he understood. Sitting here were members of the Kharok, Chaphta, Yapi, and Dakta tribes. The only Odwa he could think of were Father Chanse and Elder Terrec. Neither were likely to join his group. He shook Puck’s voice out of his head. He was sixteen. It wasn’t his job to unite the tribes.
When he scrubbed his face and looked around, four sets of worried eyes confronted him.
Kaiya touched his arm. “Are you all right?”
“I am.” He laughed. “Puck’s a fool ghost.”
Paal stood and stretched his legs. “We’d better return. I told Father I’d have the horses home before dark.”
When she hugged him, Alexa whispered, “I have a plan to save all of us. Don’t worry about the quest, Brother.”
After they left, Zander slid down against the oak tree. Shadow climbed in his lap, and Zander scratched the pup’s head.
He whispered to Shadow, “My name means defender of all, but it seems Alexa has taken on my responsibility.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Two Days until the Quest
Alexa
After a fitful night, Alexa woke on Sunday in twisted covers matching the feeling in her gut. She had a plan, but she wasn’t sure she was brave enough to follow through with it. Then she thought of Zander alone in the forest with only a few tokens. She’d do almost anything if it helped him survive the quest.
“Alexa, hurry,” her mother called from the stairs. “We can’t be late for the blessing.”
“Yes, Mother. Almost ready.” She deftly braided moonstone beads for clear thinking and rose quartz beads for calm into her hair and dressed. She fed Fiona, who wasn’t allowed in church, before she ran downstairs to the kitchen. Mother handed her a slice of apple bread, and Alexa ate tiny bites as they walked to the church.
“I don’t understand why the quest is moved. Is Father Chanse going to explain the reason today?” Mother chattered as they walked. “I’m glad it’ll be over soon, and you have two days yet to earn tokens. Do you need more? Alexa?”
“What? Oh, sorry, no, I’ll be fine. I have enough.” Mother would panic if she knew about the black panther in Alexa’s bag. Alexa couldn’t earn a mountain lion, like Zander. She’d have to trust the cage would hold them.
Her plan would cause havoc. Mother wasn’t going to be happy with her, but if it worked, the quest would be delayed and give Zander more time to collect tokens.
They followed Merindah’s family into the church as the morning bells rang. After Alexa kissed her mother’s cheek, she joined the other questers on the front bench. Although the fortune-teller rarely attended services, Melina Odella sat stone-faced with the priest facing the parishioners.
During the service, Alexa mulled her plan. More than once, she wiped her palms on her tunic. She couldn’t stop her knee from bouncing. When Merindah whispered, “What’s wrong with you?” Alexa shrugged. Merindah wouldn’t have liked her answer.
The other
questers seemed uneasy too. Odo fidgeted and Kaiya kept patting his knee. Paal twisted his hands in his lap. Cobie’s foot tapped on the end of the bench until Alexa wanted to scream at him to stop. And making her even more uncomfortable, Dharien openly stared at her, ignoring the grimace she cast back at him. If he loved her, Dharien wouldn’t be doing this to her brother.
Finally, the priest announced, “Fate has deemed the quest begin this week. As is our custom, we will bless the questers today in the hope they will fight their omens with intelligence and courage.”
The fortune-teller motioned for the questers to come forward. Alexa’s shaking legs nearly buckled as she followed the other teens to the front of the church. They stood to face the villagers. The elders with their families occupied the front rows. The Protectors sat in back. As she searched for her mother in the middle, a pang of remorse stabbed her at the embarrassment she was about to cause.
She reminded herself that she was doing this for Zander. Nothing else mattered.
Alexa sucked in a deep breath and stepped forward. Mother’s confused expression almost stopped her. Across the rows, frowns greeted her, but she couldn’t quit now.
In a clear voice, Alexa said, “There’s something you need to know. Father Chanse and Melina Odella hide a secret.” She paused for the whispers to die. “I saw them kiss.” Alexa covered the snake omen with her foot.
Shouts erupted, and Elder Terrec yelled above the noise, “Is this true?’
The priest raised his hand demanding quiet, but his shocked eyes and the flushed cheeks of the fortune-teller belied his attempt at denial. As the villagers continued to demand the truth, he turned toward Alexa and scowled, “She lies! You can’t believe her over me.”
Elder Warrin called out, “You deny her accusations? Reply carefully, Father. The truth will reveal itself. Don’t add deceit to your sins.”