Mira laid down in the moist dirt with her back to the fire. The warmth calmed her and ushered her to sleep. Amethyst watched as the woman’s breathing slowed. The orc studied her as the last waking twitches settled. It was a few more hours until she saw anything.
The air chilled around them and Mira radiated black mist. It sucked any warmth from the air and killed the light from the fire. Amethyst studied as the woman shifted uncomfortably and twitched underneath the mist. It danced around her and moved as she did.
Then, she saw what she was looking for.
It didn’t start with screaming. Instead, a low demonic growl reverberated from her ribs. After a few breaths, a howl turned to a scream. Mira’s eyes were open but only white, unfeeling irises could be seen. The echoes of a demonic roar thrashed against her. Ribbons of skin wafted away from her, and the dark entity underneath scratched at them. The shadowy arms moved to catch any ribbon running from her body. It sizzled at the shadowy figure’s touch and dissolved. The screams became more frantic, and the figure began to stand. This wasn’t like the wraith. It was not elegantly deadly. It was frantic and pained. Amethyst stood and watched it contort. This was bestial compared to the human form. It growled fiercely and bright lilac eyes stared at her.
“I think it’s time to wake up, Mira,” Amethyst took out her sword.
The beastly form screeched and began charging at her. She dodged out of the way and it faced her. As it sprinted at her, Amethyst grabbed it and threw them both into the pond water. Mira’s form snapped back into place as she woke up.
“Why are we in the water?” Mira gasped and huffed.
“You tried to attack me,” She drained the water from her hair, “Water tends to wake up the sleeping.”
“What did you learn?” Mira stood.
“It’s what I expected,” Amethyst shrugged, “You can’t control your form in your sleep. If you don’t wake up, you could become one of the monsters that everyone is scared of.”
“Is that all you learned?” She frowned, “That’s it?”
“Well, if Encante can’t control you, and you can’t control you… You will become exactly what your master wanted. A beast of destruction.”
She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, “And how exactly am I supposed to remain calm while I sleep?”
“Why don’t we meditate?”
“I told you. I don’t think –”
“Instead of losing control of your mind in your sleep,” She interrupted, “Rest in meditation. You will still rest, but you won’t be in a position to lose control.”
“Fine. Then teach me,” Mira yawned, “Because I am tired. I have spent days awake before, but I am not healed enough to do it this often.”
Amethyst sat at the edge of the pond and crossed her legs. She placed her hands on her knees and took a deep breath. Mira followed in her steps.
“Feel the breeze against your skin. The cold winds of the night. Let it fill your lungs.”
Both took a deep breath.
“Identify the smells around you. The murky, mossy water. The bloody bear. The sniffing dog.”
Mira took another deep breath to focus. With her eyes closed, Encante’s vision highlighted each movement with a small light. Four paws lazily walked around the edge of the water. She could sense the fish swimming around the bottom. Small bugs flew around her.
“Listen to the lapping water, the crickets and bugs singing, the rustling of leaves.”
She took another deep breath and listened. The dog’s tongue licked the water greedily. The bugs buzzed around her. The leaves behind her danced in the breeze. The process reminded her of how Jonen calmed her in her dreams.
“Focus on your surroundings.” Amethyst whispered as she did the same, “Slow your breathing to fit in the rhythm of life around you.”
Mira focused on the warmth of the dying embers from the fire. The breeze against her skin cleared the smoke from her lungs. The light of the moon bounced off the water as it moved in the sky. Then, something warm touched her skin. As she opened her eyes, the sun peaked over the edge of the plateau.
“Amethyst?” Mira looked at the orc.
Her head hung low as her shallow breath moved her chest. A light snore came from the older woman and Mira shook her head.
“Amethyst,” Mira placed a hand on her shoulder.
Hands wrapped around her wrist and launched her over the orcs shoulder. She twisted in the air as Amethyst jumped to her feet and pulled her sword out.
“Why must you always try to fight me?” Mira rolled her eyes.
“I haven’t gotten to train with someone better than me in decades,” She grinned, “One more round before we rejoin the rest of our group?”
A spear appeared in Mira’s outreached hand, “Very well.”
She charged the orc and caught the woman’s striking blade with the shaft of her weapon. She twirled the spear in an attempt to use the momentum to throw the weapon from her opponent’s hand. Instead, Amethyst jumped and tried to swing her hatchet at Mira’s back. The redheaded warrior caught the blade in her hand and pushed it back as the cut dug into her palm.
“Why would you do that?” Amethyst grunted as she landed on her feet.
Mira pushed the warmth from her body into her hand and held a small ball of flame. The bleeding wound gurgled under the heat until it no longer leaked. Then, she felt a surge of energy travel to it as she held her weapon again.
“You must try not to injury yourself constantly,” Encante grumbled, “I was trying to sleep.”
“Good morning,” She smirked and ran towards Amethyst.
She felt the skin on her hand heal as she moved to strike her opponent. The orc laughed and caught the blade against hers.
“Mira?” They heard a call echo from below the cliff.
“Looks like our fun is almost over,” Amethyst kicked Mira off her feet.
She rolled across the ground and stood, “Yes. Should we stop and go back to the others?”
“Last one there’s a rotten egg!” The youthful expression felt foreign on the orcs face.
Mira looked at her with confusion until Amethyst sprinted towards the edge of the cliff. She examined the bear before walking over and picking it up over her shoulders. A surge of energy kept her legs from buckling under the weight and she ran after the orc. As Amethyst turned to descend the cliff, she saw Mira sprinting with a bear twice her size. Then, the woman jumped over the edge without a fear.
The bear separated from her as she dove towards the ground. It hit with a loud crash as Mira landed softly nearby. She picked up the pile of broken bones and meat and began sprinting back towards the camp.
“What in the void was that?!” Amethyst called after her.
Mira slowed as she reached the campsite. The guards under Thesson’s orders were curious as to why the woman was allowed so much freedom. When they woke and saw she wasn’t around, they figured she ran off. Instead, she carried in a large beast and threw it on the ground near the fire.
“I’ve already eaten a bit,” She dusted off her hands, “But there should be enough for everyone.”
“Mira, you’re a captive,” Thesson ran his hand through his beard, “Can you not run off and – is that a bear?”
“Yes,” She stretched as the energy fizzled from her, “How many hours until we reach Berkshire?”
“Midday,” Thesson curiously poked the animal, “Where did you find a bear?”
She pointed up the cliff, “There’s a pond there.”
“Okay,” He rubbed his tired face, “Everyone, eat breakfast then pack up camp. We should be on a boat to Hangral this time tomorrow.”
The guards cheered sleepily before puttering about the camp. Mira sat next to the bear and carved out hunks of meat to skewer and hand to waking guards. Amethyst eventually jogged into camp and clapped Mira’s shoulder.
Stolen story; please report.
“You just dove off the bloody cliff,” She laughed, “What gave you that idea?”
“Falling is much faster than climbing,” She said flatly, “Pack your things. We are leaving soon.”
“Already done,” The orc swiped a skewer from her hand, “You’re a prisoner so I’m ready to travel with them, remember?”
Mira nodded and handed another skewer to the next guard.
“Why’d you bring the bear?” Amethyst sat on the ground next to her.
“We only ate a bit of it. It would be wasteful to leave up there. And it could dirty the water.”
“I didn’t know you cared so much for animals,” A guard scoffed.
“Hunters in this area know that pond. It’s why the path here is so travelled. If anything happened to it, at least six villages within a week’s travel would lose their meat supply. It would take them months to track the animals and find the next location,” The stoic yellow eyes fell on the dwarven man, “I care not to be responsible for the death of hundreds due to my negligence and misuse of their resources. A harsh winter is coming. They’ll need as much meat as they can bring back.”
“But you killed a bear?” Thesson looked at it, “How is that not wasteful?”
“The bear won’t kill other animals,” Mira grabbed a handful of meat and felt the blood rush to her skin, “I can dry the meat quickly and stow it for later. The fur can be sold and used for winter coats. The bones can attract more dogs to be caught and trained. Its organs can attract birds to kill.”
“You make it sound so noble,” Another guard glared at her, “But aren’t you responsible for the death of thousands already? What’s another few hundred?”
“The ones I have killed I had no choice. I can choose, now. The death of six villages –” Mira closed her eyes to calm herself as her annoyance bubbled at the surface of her skin, “—will kill trade in this region. That will kill more people. Then, the larger cities will crack down on the small farms already struggling. Once the farmers cannot keep up with demand, more will starve. Those that already suffer the most will suffer more.”
Cold, honey-colored eyes glared at the guard. He instinctively stepped back and put a hand on his sword’s hilt.
“I never thought of it that way,” Thesson held a hand up to stop the guard’s next move, “Continue preparing for departure. Mira, I ask you remain shackled unless we let you out.”
She shrugged and walked back over to the cart. As she sat in it, she closed the shackles back on herself and waited. Amethyst continued carving out the bear. Mira watched the guards prepare for the last leg of their journey. Her predatory gaze caused hairs to stand on end. She knew this and watched them because of it. None had tried to kill her, yet. Thesson promised that none of his guards would attempt it. She didn’t trust that.
“What happens when we enter Berkshire?” Amethyst asked.
“We will likely depart from the docks behind the duchy,” Thesson combed his hair, “If we need to stay the night, then Mira will be in the prison.”
“And you imagine she won’t break out of it?” She chuckled.
“It would do more harm to the mourning city,” The dwarf nodded, “They already know we are coming.”
“I imagine they are not going to give us a warm welcome,” Mira leaned back and closed her eyes.
“No. My scout has already heard we should expect protests and calls for your head,” Thesson sighed, “But, we will deal with that when we get there.”
Once the group gathered at its campsite, it headed down the path. The four carriages of soldiers and luggage were around the cart that Mira was shackled to. Guards on horses trotted alongside the caravan as they traveled.
Amethyst plopped down next to Mira in the wagon and stretched out to bathe in the sun. The road was bumpy and unpleasant, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. Thesson didn’t allow her to walk alongside the wagons.
“Tell me,” Mira looked to Amethyst, “You spoke of him choosing me. What does that mean?”
“He would bond his soul to yours,” She scratched her head lazily, “I have not been around for such a bonding, but you would become one.”
“Much like soul bonding between mates?” Her hands habitually felt the stone that rested on her chest.
“More complicated than that,” Amethyst sighed then leaned into whisper, “Only a Prophetess can make perform the ceremony.”
“My mother didn’t need one,” Mira quickly searched the memories he shared with her.
“Then, much as it is with him, it is different,” She crossed her arms then closed her eyes, “Should he chose to share with us what to do, then we can.”
“Are you certain your little bandit friends will meet us in Berkshire?” Thesson looked back from his horse.
“It doesn’t matter to me if they do,” Mira shrugged, “Val is aware what I want to happen. She will get it done.”
“How do you put so much trust in her? I know she can hear when someone’s lying, but not you,” Amethyst drummed her fingers along the side of the cart, “Yet you think she will listen?”
“Valencia is not used to freedom. I doubt she will do anything to ruin it so easily,” She yawned, “There is no honor among thieves, but there is fear where there is freedom.”
“That is manipulative, isn’t it?” Thesson grunted.
“Perhaps, but she’s taken advantage of it as well. She’s leading the group when I am not there. She knows if she fails, then someone else will take her place. That’s how it was with her past lovers,” Mira listened to the rhythm of creaking wheels over the bumpy road, “Not a single one of them has told me anything but praises of her leadership. She knows what she’s doing. When she fails, then I will know.”
“And what will you do?” Amethyst hummed.
“Val is a good woman. I doubt any failure will be on purpose. I do not plan on killing her.”
“Have you told her that?”
“No,” She smirked, “I don’t want her to get too comfortable until I trust her completely.”
Mira listened to the sparse crunch of leaves, rocks flung behind the horse’s hooves, and the chit chat of the soldiers around her. As she pretended to sleep, she focused on the stone against her chest. She did not know how to draw his attention properly. It became increasingly annoying that Encante could read her thoughts and shared nothing with her.
After a half day’s travel, Mira heard a parade of galloping hooves that raced towards them. She twitched her nose and looked over to Amethyst.
“We will have company soon.”
“You hear it too?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Ten horses, twelve pairs of feet,” She nodded, “At least.”
She looked up to see a group of rough looking travelers block the road in front of them. Amethyst hesitated and began to stand from the wagon. Mira held her hand in front of the woman to block her.
“I am a prisoner, remember?”
“Yes, and should be protected as –”
“Let the guards handle it. It may be people from Berkshire.”
The orc pouted and crossed her arms.
“Hault!” A voice echoed from down the road.
As he dismounted the horse, he held his hand out to help a woman that rode behind him. Val stepped down and dusted off her pants as she approached with the orc man.
The guards held their weapons at the ready as the two approached.
“Leader!”
“Val –” Mira lifted her head, and her eyes met the man’s, “Wait… Bobabano?”
He gritted his teeth, “So you do remember me?”
“What business do you have blocking the road?” Thesson called as he dismounted his horse and walked toward the orc, “By the queen’s orders, I command you to clear this path.”
“I do not listen to your queen,” The man scoffed.
“Who do you think you are?” Thesson sneered at him.
A human behind the man ran towards the front and stood to Bo’s side. He cleared his throat before heralding an introduction.
“Introducing Bobabano Cauldronbone of Agrowl’s ruling Cauldronbone tribe. Son of the late Queen Quillia Cauldronbone and her primary consort Gremen. Captain of Agrowl’s navy!”
The orcs behind him cheered at the herald’s words. Mira and orc stared at each other unblinkingly. Val hurried to Mira’s side and threw a backpack full of goods into the wagon as she crawled in. Bobabano pulled his trench coat off and threw it over the side of his horse as he stretched.
“We found everything. Grandy’s team took the gold back to Vimgraunt, as ordered,” Val motioned for them to join the guards, “Everything else is with me.”
“Val,” She held up a finger to stop the woman, “Why are you traveling with him?”
“We met at Rockman’s Gruff. He is hunting Isaan, the same as you.”
“No,” Mira shook her head, “Not the same as me.”
Bo stalked the distance between them. Thesson stomped after him before he held his sword out to fight. Mira motioned for Amethyst to stay in the wagon. The woman crossed her arms and shrugged.
“That won’t be necessary, dwarf,” Bo laughed at him, “We outnumber you. I can just take the woman like I want and move on. I’m being generous and allowing you to live.”
“We are some of the most talented warriors in Zrud! What makes you think you can beat us?”
“Because –” His malicious grin spread across his face as he pulled a scroll from his pocket, “I was personally invited by Queen Azalea to join the tournament as an ambassador of my people. And you wouldn’t dare start a war this close to a seaport against a naval captain, would you?”
“It is fine, Thesson,” Mira stood.
Before he could argue, she pulled her arms apart and broke the metal shackles on her wrists.
“What do you want, Bobabano?”
“I haven’t seen you in over a decade and that’s all you have for me?” He held his hands against his chest in a jesting manner, “You wound me, Mira. Don’t you remember my promise?”
“I do,” She slid from the wagon and slinked up to the orc.
He towered over her small frame. She stared up at him with an unblinking stoicism that angered him. His face contorted to a scowl as he waited for her to speak.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” He spat at her.
Mira wiped the spit from her face and spoke calmly “I followed my orders. It was out of my control, Bo.”
“Do not dare to talk to me so informally!”
“I never wanted to hurt them. I tried to end them as cleanly as possible,” She searched his fury for a calmed reaction, “I never wanted to hurt you, either.”
“And yet you still did,” He growled, “You killed my mother. Then, my father when he tried to protect her. Then you fled, like a coward!”
His hand flew across her face. Val gasped as the echoing smack silenced the rowdy groups. Mira stretched her jaw and stared into the orc’s eyes. She would allow him to hit her once.
And only once.
“My master ordered me to kill your mother,” Her nostrils flared as she took in a deep breath to calm herself, “Your father protected her, so he too, had to be killed.”
“You shouldn’t have been able to kill her!” Bobabano growled, “How did you do it?”
“I stabbed her in the –”
“No!” His hand reared back to smack her again, “How?”
Mira caught the hand flying towards her face. She felt his bones popping as she tightened her grasp. She would not crush the bones in his hand, but pressure them enough that he could feel she would.
“I am no longer a thrall, Bobabano,” An inhumane voice echoed her own, “I suggest you treat me with respect.”
“Fine. You want to be treated like a human,” He sneered at her then pulled a golden sword from a studded leather sheath at his hip, “Then, we will fight properly.”
“Your father’s sword,” Mira nodded to it, “It suits you.”
“You know nothing about my father!” He spat at her again.
Mira felt the dark energy under the surface of her skin boil at his actions. The mossy skinned orc didn’t notice as the glaive formed in her hand. The golden sword flashed towards her in an instant. She deflected the blade, and the blunt end of her spear struck him in the ribs as she turned. He coughed as he fell to the ground.
“I have always been faster,” Her voice seemed cold, “You do not have a chance to win.”
“Then I will die with the honor you stole from my parents!” He thrust the blade towards her.
Mira turned to dodge his attack. As their blades collided in a cascade of clangs, Bobabano’s men surrounded them. Thesson called for the guards to prepare themselves, until Mira whistled to get his attention. Amethyst stood from the cart and yelled at her.
“Don’t kill him!” The woman’s pale eyes pleaded.
Mira nodded and kicked Bobabano back from her. He slid in the gravel then glared at her with a hatred she knew was well deserved.
“This ends now!” He screamed as he ran towards her.
Mira narrowed her eyes and swung her spear. As the shaft struck the orc in the head, he fell to the ground, unconscious. The black mist bellowed from her small frame as footsteps rushed towards her. The cold chill of fear spread across the skins of any that approached her.
She held the blade out to Bobabano’s men and Encante’s voice echoed with hers.
“Stand down or I will kill him.”