Diake woke first and groaned painfully as he stretched his body. His body had been rigid all night long and it felt like his muscles were just now coming back to life. He cracked his limbs and felt his wounds. The bandages were good, and he didn’t hurt that badly. Other than the venom still leaving his system and being drenched in sweat, he was okay.

The fires had gone down around him. He wondered if they were the reason he’d sweat so much or if it was the bite. Diake crawled away from the fires before trying to stand. His legs were shaky, but he was sure he could stand. He made it upright after a few seconds and sighed. Then his vision became dark and he threw his arms forward just before the crash. Diake winced as he hit the sand. He’d fallen backwards and had tried to catch himself the wrong way.

Diake’s fall woke everyone else up. Their heads rose out of their blankets like gophers out of their holes. Everyone but Dezzlin immediately laid back down.

“If he’s dead I say we bury him here,” said Sakien.

“And waste the time digging a grave?” asked Mekov. “I’d rather sleep thank you.”

“Too tired to move,” whispered Kira sleepily.

“I hate you all,” said Diake as he propped himself back up. Dezzlin held a water pack to him.

“Don’t go too fast,” he said. “Your body is still adjusting. You should be able to walk, just take it slow.”

“Yeah, yeah. Stupid snake.”

“Think you can stomach some food now?” Diake’s eyes raised a bit. Everyone had feasted on the blanket horror last night, but Diake hadn’t enjoyed it. His stomach was still convulsing, and he had vomited most of it back up. He could barely keep down water last night. Now after hours of sleep, food sounded delicious.

“Bring me some of that scaly bastard. He tried to eat me and now I want a piece of him.”

“You’d do well in the north,” said Sakien. “Right Mekov?”

Mekov snored loudly and didn’t respond. Kira snickered quietly in her blankets.

Diake put the snake meat in his mouth and immediately enjoyed the taste. The meat wasn’t as juicy as he’d like, but it was filled with something better. It tasted like victory. He gave the meat a victor’s smile before he took another bite. Solid food made his stomach feel much better.

“Can someone get some more water from the pool?” asked Dezzlin as he moved the coals and threw on meat for breakfast. “Sakien?”

“Mekov.” Mekov snored, and Sakien kicked him from his bed. Mekov grumbled and looked up. “Get some more water from the pool.”

“Kira,” said Mekov angrily. “Go get some more water.”

“I’m Sakien’s student, not yours,” said Kira from underneath her blanket.

“Kira,” laughed Sakien. “Go get some more water.”

“I’m your student, not your servant.” Dezzlin sighed and stood up.

“Hey guys, I think I’ll get some more water.”

“Good idea.” they all said. Diake smirked and scooted himself next to the fire. He could watch the meat while Dezzlin got more water.

It took a while before the other three got up. They ate a large breakfast of snake and bread before they packed up their gear. They had been planning to leave today anyway, but Diake’s injury insisted upon it. Any smart hunter knew if they had a recovering fighter and had the option to go back to town, they should. No point healing in the wild where it was dangerous.

They all tended to the few morning chores. They’d cut the snakeskin clean last night, but Dezzlin still had to roll and package it carefully for their walk home. Sakien looked for some way to put his axe head on something, but nothing nearby would do. Mekov put Kira through a few practice moves. Diake laid on the floor.

They all slipped into their armor, collected their weapons, and headed out of the cave. A few creatures were near outside, but most seemed interested only in the cave. They allowed the humans to pass for the chance of taking a new home.

“Well at least we were planning on going back today anyway,” said Diake on the way back.

“How much do you think that snakeskin will be worth?” asked Mekov.

“Stop ignoring me!” demanded Diake.

“Shut up, cripple.” Mekov and Sakien laughed while Diake fingered his sword.

“When I’m feeling better…” he muttered.

“Should be a good price, especially tonight,” said Dezzlin. “Tonight is going to be one hell of a night.”

“Oh yeah, isn’t there some type of celebration?” asked Kira.

“The Starlight Festival. One of the biggest holidays in this region. A day we bless the gods in the sky and enjoy all we have.” Dezzlin looked at everyone excited, but they all just gave him blank stares back. He sighed and put down his head. “Foreigners.”

“I’m down to party,” said Mekov. “Cheers to the gods.”

“Huzzah,” said Kira as she waved her hands. Dezzlin put a hand on his face.

“Try not to disrespect anyone tonight.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Mekov offended. “I’m the master of sensitivity when it comes to other people’s feelings and beliefs.” The group stopped, and everyone turned to look at Mekov. Mekov was still grinning as everyone burst into laughter.

“Hahaha,” started Diake as he dropped to the floor. “Hahaha ah that hurts my insides.”

“My turn to help the cripple,” said Dezzlin as he hefted Diake back up. They got back to town and were all expecting a number of things. They’d expected great fires and lights with decorations hung from every door with people bursting with life. What they found when they returned was the town looking like it always was.

“What the crap?” asked Mekov.

“I thought you said today was the Starlight Festival,” said Diake.

“It is,” said Dezzlin.

“Then where’s the…” Kira waved her hands at the streets. “Stuff.”

“The Starlight Festival is at night dumbasses,” laughed Dezzlin. “Almost all light tonight will be the stars and they are the decorations. Just wait until the sun falls.”

“It’s what I do every day I’m here.”

“I think your town is just lazy,” laughed Diake. Dezzlin took his arm away quickly and gave Diake a slight push. Diake wobbled dangerously before hitting the floor. “It was just a joke!”

“I’ll see you guys tonight,” said Dezzlin. Mekov dropped next to Diake and smiled.

“Gosh Diake, you should be more sensitive when it comes to another man’s culture.” He laughed and pushed Diake back down to the ground. Diake growled as he pushed himself back up.

“I’ll get us the room at the inn,” said Sakien. “You go to the bathhouse.”

“And waste my money?” asked Mekov.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“You reek, go.” Mekov shot his hand into the air and wiggled his fingers back at everyone.

“Well that was rather effeminate,” said Kira once Mekov was gone.

“Actually, in our culture that’s an insult,” said Sakien. “Waving your fingers at someone with your back turned is like you’re taunting an animal, showing you don’t care.”

“Ah.”

“Makes sense,” said Diake. “I’m going to go see a healer about some more medicine.”

“Will you help him, Kira?” asked Sakien. “I’ll have a room at the inn once you’re done.”

“I can get there myself,” said Diake proudly. Kira smiled and looked around.

“Okay. I’ll just walk you there. Lead on.” Diake looked around the town. He’d never actually been to a healer here. “That’s what I thought, let’s go.” She got under Diake’s shoulder and helped walk him off.

Sakien made his stop at the inn and reserved a room for all three of them. It was just one room, but the bed was a decent size. He just hoped that Mekov did go and take a bath. He set all his stuff aside and made his way out again. There was one thing that couldn’t wait.

A few minutes later Sakien entered the blacksmith’s shop. “Is anyone here?”

“Be there in a minute.” Sakien waited impatiently as Mr. Horner finished something up in the back. He appeared at the front desk smiling. “What can I do for you?”

“I have a rush job for you.” Sakien showed his axe head with the small remains of its broken pole. “I need a new pole attached.”

Mr. Horner felt the shattered pole end and the wood. He looked around and shook his head. “I don’t have any wood like that. I’ve got a length of haunter wood that might work. What happened to this?”

“Giant blanket horror,” said Sakien.

“A giant one, eh? How giant are we talking?”

“Four times the length of a man, probably as thick as one.” Mr. Horner whistled.

“That’s giant alright. Certainly big enough to bite through a stick.”

“Was almost the end of me. I was lucky.”

“Sadly, your weapon wasn’t.” It didn’t take long for Mr. Horner to attach the new pole. Sakien helped slot it around the complicated spiky axe head before they secured it in place. “Didn’t this weapon have a point at the bottom too?” Sakien nodded and produced the spear tip. “I guess you’d like me to cut a slot and throw in a spearhead as well?”

“It would be most appreciated.”

“I can do it, but it’s going to be ugly.”

“My work isn’t pretty anyway.” Mr. Horner gave a hacking laugh.

“Very true.” It really was ugly work. Mr. Horner attached a large spear point which didn’t remotely match, and the newly assembled axe was complete.

“Thank you very much,” said Sakien as he moved the weapon around. It was heavier than it used to be. His attacks would be a bit slower, but the power behind them would be increased. He opened his money pouch and dropped a fair amount of coins into Mr. Horner’s hands.

“If you don’t mind,” started Mr. Horner. “Can I ask what type of material that axe blade is made out of?”

Sakien smiled and laid his weapon back down for Mr. Horner to examine. It had started as a long axe and had been infused with bits of an animal. The axe was a deep bluish green from the scales. The long set of spikes on either side of the blade had once been bone white, but they’d darkened over time by blood and work.

“It was my father’s weapon. He said he made it from the pieces he earned when he and his crew killed one of the queens of the sea.”

“What’s a queen of the sea?”

“I don’t know what you call them. They’re giant dragons of the water, and we call them sea queens. They rule the ocean, and we must be grateful every time they let us pass.”

“Fair enough,” said Mr. Horner. “Come back if you need anything else.”

“Thank you again.” Sakien left the armorer to his other work and headed back to the inn. This pole would do, but he still had to carve in the necessary runes before he would be happy with it.

*

The healers hut belonged to a few old women on the other side of town. They were small old crones, but Kira assured Diake they knew their trade well. She’d seen them many times herself, and she was still breathing. Diake noted that by the number of scars on Kira’s body maybe that wasn’t so much to gloat about. His issue wasn’t cuts though.

“Marta!” yelled one of the old ladies to the back. “Kira is back!”

“Are you sure, Tiara?”

“Of course I’m sure, you old bat. Come out here.” Another old woman meandered into the front. They were probably half Diake’s height and four times his age.

“It is her,” gasped Marta. “Did you hurt yourself again dear?”

“No miss,” said Kira politely.

“She looks like she’s been eating better.” Tiara came over and prodded Kira’s exposed belly with a bony finger. “Did you find a man?”

“Is it this nice strong man here?” said Marta looking Diake over. “A proud hunter this one.”

“No ladies, I’m afraid not,” said Kira while trying not to laugh. “This is my friend Diake, and he needs your help.”

“He does look a bit wobbly.” Tiara shifted her finger away from Kira and jabbed Diake. She was surprisingly strong, and Diake flinched when she hit his chest. “You’re injured.”

“Yes miss, I am.” Diake removed his jacket and showed his blood stained shirt underneath. Kira took the jacket as the old ladies advanced on him like curious dogs.

“What did this?” asked Marta.

“Giant blanket horror,” said Kira. “Grabbed him last night.”

“And he’s still breathing?” said Tiara surprised. “You must have lots of experience with poison and venom.”

“I do,” said Diake proudly, “but my friend had an antidote.”

“We know,” said Marta.

“You know Dezzlin?” asked Kira.

“No, but somebody had to have an antidote. A blanket horror this big would’ve killed any man otherwise, even if he is as tough as the mountain he was born on,” said Marta. “Sit down so we can take a look at you.”

They took them into a back room and had Diake sit on a tiny stool. He felt massive sitting there, but it was the only way he could be put at the same level as the old ladies. They removed his shirt and bandages. Kira wasn’t surprised to see Diake had scars too, but they were much worse than hers. A pair of massive claws had taken him over both shoulders, and there was a long burn mark across his back. The snake bite looked minimal compared to the rest.

“You’ve been well bandaged,” said Tiara. “Looks like all the venom has been neutralized.”

“We’ll put a healing cream over your wounds and bandage you back up again. We also have some medicine you’ll be able to take for the pain,” said Marta.

“Thank you,” said Diake. “When will I get my strength back?”

“Stubborn man,” laughed Marta. She winked at Kira. “Keep your eye on this one.”

“A few good meals and a good night’s rest and you should be almost back to normal. You’ll feel a little weak for probably a few days at most,” said Tiara.

“Sounds good to me,” said Diake as they put a new bandage on. They poked and prodded his sides all the time, constantly muttering this or that. The two seemed to exist to argue with each other. Kira just laughed as they worked until Diake was ready to go.

“Do you have somewhere to go?” asked Marta.

“I have a room at the inn. I’m heading there for a nap.”

“Bed is a good idea,” agreed Tiara. “Kira, you should help him there.” The old ladies winked and Kira scowled.

“Oh stop it you too.” They both laughed and shooed the hunters out of their hut. They walked to the inn and Diake couldn’t stop grinning.

“I like those old ladies. They have good ideas.”

“Don’t get any bright ideas,” growled Kira.

“I’m just teasing,” said Diake, putting a hand up in case she decided to hit his chest. “They have a real interest in you.”

“They like me,” said Kira. “Of course, they disapprove that I’m more interested in fighting than bearing children.” Kira quickly changed the subject. “How long has it been since you left your home?” Diake smiled.

“About a year. I was good, but my old master told me if I was to ever become a true hunter, I had to take to the road.”

“Do you miss it?” asked Kira.

“Sometimes,” said Diake, “but I enjoy seeing the world. What about you? Do you miss your home?”

“I would if I ever felt like I had one,” said Kira. “I left as soon as I could, which was about five months ago.”

“Well fortune seems to be smiling on you out here.”

“Yeah, I guess it has.” Her mouth couldn’t decide if it wanted to frown or smile. Diake didn’t miss it, but he didn’t push for the real answer she was thinking of.

They made it to the inn, and he left her to her room. Diake made it to his and collapsed on the bed. He realized he was working with a group of people in life or death scenarios and realistically knew nothing about them. What kind of friendship or teamwork could they all have without knowing each other? It was a problem for another time because he was soon fast asleep.

Kira came into her room and found Sakien there with his fixed axe. She was surprised he had beaten her there, but he’d probably rushed to the armorer and Diake had to walk slowly in his condition. He had a chisel and was scraping marks into the new pole.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Putting on the marks of my tribe. These runes tell a story for everyone who can read them.” Kira put her things in the corner and laid down on the bed.

“Will you teach me to read sometime?”

“The runes?” asked Sakien. “I can.” Kira sat up and bit her lip. Sakien paused his chipping and looked at her. “Can you read common tongue?”

“Only a little,” admitted Kira. “Where I was raised it wasn’t considered important to learn.”

“You mean it wasn’t important for a girl to learn,” said Sakien. Kira nodded bitterly. “Such a waste keeping women in the dark. In my tribe, we’re all raised with the proper knowledge. Yes, I will teach you to read.” Kira started to lay back down, but Sakien tapped her with his weapon. She looked up, and he pointed to his bag.

“Get the dye out. You’ve messed up your student’s mark.” Kira sighed but rolled out of bed and collected the dye. Sakien kept it in a little bottle for easy access. She sat down next to him and handed him the bottle.

“What’s the north like?” she asked.

“A beautiful white land,” said Sakien. “We know no rock or sand, only snow and ice. It’s a rough life, but one I wouldn’t trade for any other. The people are hardy and true. There are dangerous monsters just like anywhere else, but it’s hard to see that when you stand next to the ocean and have the sun shining over you. Life may be hard, but it makes you love every moment you have.” Sakien smiled as he applied the dye. Kira could see his love for his home in his eyes more than in his words.

“I’d like to see the north,” said Kira. “And your home.” Sakien’s smile faded.

“That, I fear, will be unlikely.” His smile returned a little. “But who knows what fate brings to us all. I never imagined I’d be in the desert.” Kira frowned a little.

“Me either.”