When they awoke later, Crystal sat on the mattress's edge. “I wasn’t sure when you two would wake again,” she said as they stirred. The pain in Kyto’s body flared but did seem a little less than before. He groaned as he twisted to look at Crystal. Tabs lifted her head from Kyto’s shoulder where she had remained and, yawning, looked at her sister with a smile.
“Hey, Crys.” She said, rubbing sleep from her eyes. She carefully moved away from Kyto’s side.
“Don’t call me that. You know I hate that name,” Crystal said, frowning at her sister.
“Sorry, ‘Crystal’.” She retorted, emphasising her name.
“That is fine, Tabitha,” Crystal replied.
“Hey.” Tabs responded.
Kyto watched the interaction, and he realised he was smiling. The normality of the interaction between the two sisters was so natural that it contradicted the situation and position that they were in. Kyto’s stomach growled loudly.
“Someone sounds hungry,” Crystal said.
“Now you mention it, yes, I could do with something solid,” Kyto replied.
“Lars,” Crystal called out.
The tall man entered the room. He must have been standing just outside her door. “Could you get three bowls of stew, please?” Crystal asked him.
He nodded and turned immediately, leaving the room again.
“Is he always nearby?” Tabs asked.
“Lars is my bodyguard. I trust my council, but he never leaves my side unless I give him specific instructions.” She answered, shrugging.
“That is one loyal follower,” Kyto stated.
“He is not a follower. He is one of my closest friends.” Crystal responded.
Kyto was finding it difficult to fathom friendships within the raiding group after hearing the stories of their glorified violence and infighting. Crystal seemed to understand the look that Kyto must have had on his face as she explained about Lars. “I am surprised you do not remember Lars, Tabs. He has been with the group for years.” Crystal said.
“No, I don’t.” Tabs answered.
“He was there from the first day we were taken and brought back to their camp. Lars was never allowed to go out on raids but was used more as a servant by Liam and Brian whenever they needed anything. He had originally been captured in his early teens and had his tongue removed and throat damaged not long after when he had bad-mouthed one of the group’s members. As he grew and matured, they realised that he was an asset to keep around due to his size and strength. They treated him more as a pet than a person and would make him do stupid things for their entertainment.” Crystal said.
“I do not remember him, but I am not surprised as I was always kept away from the main group area.” Tabs said.
“Yeah, he regularly came by my cage, and I always spoke to him whenever he did. He would occasionally sneak me extra food or an extra blanket during the winter months. He is one of the gentlest people I have ever met, but I never get on the wrong side of him. He is an amazing fighter and ridiculously strong. He has saved my skin on more than one occasion, and ever since I was elevated to the lead role, he has stood by my side along with TJ.” She finished.
There was a gentle knock on the door, and Lars entered carrying a large tray with three steaming bowls of stew and bread. There was also a large bottle of what Kyto thought was nectar with some glasses. Lars walked to the desk, placed it down, then picked up a bowl at a time, and a chunk of the bread brought them over to the three sitting on the mattresses. He handed Crystal a bowl, and she turned, frowning at him. “You don’t need to serve me; I am quite capable of looking after myself.” She said.
Lars just shrugged, smiling at her, and now that her hands were full, ruffled the top of her hair, quickly stepping back before Crystal could react. “You bastard. I will get you back later.” Tabs laughed at her sister, whose pristine-looking hair was now a tussled mess. Lars chuckled as he brought Tabs and then Kyto a bowl each.
“Thank you,” Kyto replied.
Lars smiled, nodding, then turned and left the room again.
The stew smelt amazing, and Kyto dove in. Dipping his bread into the bowl, he soaked up the juice and tore a large piece off with his teeth. The tightness in his face from his injuries pulled as he bit down, but his hunger could outweigh any pain or discomfort. “Wow.” He said, around a mouthful of food.
“It is good, isn’t it.” Tabs added.
“Good, it is bloody delicious. What’s in it?” Kyto asked.
Crystal smiled and answered, “Marlene is an amazing cook. She joined us two years ago, and it has always been amazing since she started cooking the food. She can prepare anything from anything, and I have never had a bad-tasting meal. I have no idea what this is made from, and I don’t care. There are several in the group whose main purpose is hunting and trapping, so we nearly always have some form of meat, whether flying or land-based Wild Ones, to eat. I will occasionally also go out on some foraging trips with a few others.”
“She can cook.” Tabs added.
They sat there finishing their stew in silence; once they had finished, Crystal got up and collected the bottle and three glasses that Lars had brought in with the stew. She walked over, handing a glass to both. “Here, try this.”
“I don’t drink nectar,” Kyto said.
“It is not normal nectar,” Crystal said. “It’s a type of ‘nectar’, but you don’t get its side effects. I only ever drink this stuff. I would never drink normal nectar as you never know when someone might try something.”
Kyto took the glass, and Crystal poured him a drink. He slowly brought the glass to his mouth, smelling the liquid before tasting it. The liquid slipped down his throat with ease and left a slight feeling of a coating on his throat. It had a similar sweet taste to honey. Kyto had only had honey a couple of times when he had stopped at a township to eat while visiting to sell scavenged materials. He smiled, nodding at Crystal in surprise at its taste.
“It is very sweet.” He said.
“Yeah, it has none of the additives that normal nectar has, and you cannot get drunk on it as it contains none of the toxins.”
“Toxins?” Tabs asked.
“Nectar usually has several herbs added to it when it ferments in the stills, giving it its alcoholic properties. This version is pure, though.” Crystal replied.
They enjoyed the nectar, sipping it slowly. Kyto emptied his glass first, and Crystal offered him another. “Thanks.”
“So, what’s the plan now?” Kyto asked Crystal.
“Well, first things are finding you some clothes you won’t be able to go outside with just those bottoms on.”
Kyto had forgotten he was only wearing the grey bottoms and blushed slightly at Crystal's comment after their previous conversation. “Something I have missed?” Tabs said, noticing Kyto’s coloured cheeks and her sister's subtle comment at his bottoms.
“Nothing, sister dear. I just had some fun with your boyfriend while you slept earlier. He thinks that I redressed and studied him while he was in his tonic-induced coma.” She said, laughing.
“You didn’t?” Kyto said.
“No, of course not, Lars did. Why would I want to touch your body.” She said, giving him a flirtatious grin.
“Crystal. Don’t you dare?” Tabs said, staring at her sister, frowning.
“What?” Crystal said, feigning innocence and laughing again.
“I need to go and do more rounds, check on some of the lazier members, and make sure they are pulling their weight. If you look in that locker next to the one where you got your clothes from Tabs, you will find some that may fit Kyto.” As she got up to leave again, she collected the bowls and empty glasses and, placing them back on the tray, picked it up and carried it to the door. “I should not be too long, and if you need anything, just call for Lars. I will ask him to stay here.” She added.
Crystal left the room again, closing the door behind her. “Let’s see what there is.” Tabs said slowly, standing and walking over to the cupboard. The grey bottoms he wore were still fine, so Tabs searched the locker, finding him a long-sleeved top and a fleecy hooded jumper. It appeared made of some Wild One skin, and the lining was soft and warm. They were not his regular style but were lightweight, warm, and soft. His boots had been brought in and placed in the bottom of one of the lockers, and Tabs grabbed them.
“Let me put some more salve on before I get dressed.” He said, reaching for the jar that was still by the mattresses. He contorted his face in pain as he reached over but managed to move enough to pick it up. Opening the lid, he liberally rubbed more of the salve into his abdomen and across his neck before replacing it. The salve smelt faintly of mint, and Kyto would have to ask Crystal how she had made it. It was not as good as the Spylore salve, but still pretty good, easing the throbbing and soreness.
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Tabs then helped him dress caringly, slowly easing the clothes on over his wounded body. She then went and grabbed his boots from the bottom of the locker where they had been placed and found a pair of socks. He managed to get his feet in them with Tab's help, but there was no way he could bend to do them up, so Tabs had to tie his laces for him.
“Not like that.” He said.
“What do you mean not like this.” Tabs responded, glancing at him.
“The laces are too long. Wrap them around first.” He said.
“You can always do them yourself.” She said, glaring at him.
Kyto looked at Tabs, wincing, and smiled. “No, you are ok. Do them the way you think is best.” He replied. Neither of them had heard or noticed Lars had entered the room until they heard him chuckle at their interaction. They both coloured as they realised Lars had heard them arguing about tying bootlaces. The normalisation of the situation was unnerving. They were in the middle of a raiding group yet had lost all safety concerns. Strangely, the experience so far was nothing like Kyto had expected.
“Thank you for your help, Lars,” Kyto said, looking up at the tall man. “Crystal said that you have been looking after me.”
Lars nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders in response. Tabs realised that Lars was carrying two jackets. “Are they for us?” she asked, pointing at the jackets.
Lars held up the jackets so that they could see them. They were winter-style jackets made from soft black leather with fur linings and hoods. They looked exceedingly warm from what they could see. He walked over, handing one to each of them. They took them from him and looked them over closely. The lining was exceedingly soft, and the outer was also very flexible and soft to the touch. Kyto had seen similar jackets in townships, and they typically sell for a few stacks each. Tabs stood, pulling her jacket on. It fit her perfectly, and she pulled the collar around her chin. “So soft.” She cooed.
Kyto could not put the jacket on by himself, and Lars bent, offering Kyto a hand to stand up. He gingerly accepted again, lifting his arms as he had on the bed earlier. Lars just picked him up and stood him in front of him. Tabs watched in amazement at how easily Lars had lifted him.
“Thanks.” He said, shifting the jacket slowly around his shoulders, hissing occasionally with the pain his movements triggered.
“Here …” Tabs said.
“No, I can do it myself.” He said, stopping Tabs from helping.
Eventually, he got his arms into the sleeves, and his jacket fit him perfectly. The lining and material were so soft and warm, yet he was not overheating with it on. Crystal's room was warm; he had only been in the grey bottoms, and at no point had he felt cold, considering what the weather outside was like.
Lars smiled at them both, nodding in pride at how they both looked.
Tabs looked at Lars, watching his expression, and asked him. “Did you make these?”
Lars nodded.
“Wow.” That was all she responded.
Tabs flipped the hood up, and it encased her face with the soft fur; it had a tie at the front that would allow it to be tightened when out in poor weather. They were still going over the jackets when Crystal arrived again.
“Thanks, Lars, you did not have to.” She said, placing her hand on his arm as she saw what he had done for them. Lars looked down, smiling at her, and put his hand on hers. He then nodded towards the door and left again.
“He has accepted you as his family,” Crystal said once Lars had left.
“What?” Tabs said.
“Lars does not give his wares away to just anybody. He can spend weeks making those jackets, and I can guarantee that some of the group will envy seeing you in them. He sells them at Scarshot when we go and makes a decent number of stacks, especially since most raiding groups are not welcome in townships to purchase wares.” Crystal said.
“Wow, weeks to make,” Kyto said.
“Yeah, I only know from TJ that Lars's family were originally skinners and tailors, and he had worked in the family shop from being a very small boy and learned everything he knew from his father.” She said.
“You sound like there are townships where you are accepted?” Kyto added.
“A couple of the slave-buying companies’ townships are viable for us to stop at if we need to, although never to stay,” Crystal said.
“We were heading up to New Talisia before we met up. Are we anywhere near there?” Kyto asked.
“You’re still a long way off,” Crystal replied. “It’s possibly about three weeks from here by truck. No decent roads are running from where we are as most roads are inaccessible, and you must travel further west before you head north.” She stated.
“I heard some of your men saying they were going to Scarshot,” Kyto said.
“Yeah, we will be. We have captives to sell at the market, and then we will resupply for the rest of winter. Raiding stops for the next few months.” She said.
Tabs could not get her head around the fact that her sister sat there so calmly talking about trafficking in people. She knew from the conversations they had already had that she had become immunised to the whole scenario over time. “You do realise that the only reason we were ever slaves is because of raiding groups like this.” She said, staring at Crystal.
“And you realise you are still alive because I run a raiding group like this.” She snapped back. “We have already had this talk, Tabs.”
Tabs remembered that look on her sister’s face. She had witnessed it several times when they were younger and knew not to push too far. Although Crystal was her sister, and she loved her dearly, she had always had a feisty temperament; she and her mother had argued about the stupidest things on several occasions.
“I know, but I wish there were a way we could change it.” She said.
Tabs and Crystal exchanged words for a few minutes, and Kyto sat listening.
“Maybe there is,” he said.
“There is what?” Tabs asked, looking at him.
“A way to change it all.” He said.
Both Tab’s and Crystal looked at him. “The only reason Scarshot exists is because of slaves. If there is no Scarshot, there is no slave market in the east. If there is no slave market, then the bastards who use slaves won’t have access to them anymore. They don’t want to get their hands dirty raiding, so they let your groups do it.” He said.
“And then what about the raiders? They will still raid,” Tabs said.
“Initially, maybe, but once they have nowhere to guarantee selling slaves, that will eventually stop also, or it will make it much harder to find people to buy them. If they can’t get the funds to provide for their raiding groups, as Crystal indicated the need to go to Scarshot to get provisions, they may eventually cease to exist.” He said.
“They would just set up a new Scarshot, and how do we suddenly change what has been happening since the Falling,” Crystal said.
“Well, change takes time,” Kyto replied. “But it can be done if we start somewhere.”
“So, how would we take down Scarshot?” Tabs asked. “There must be dozens of raiding groups that use it.”
“There are not that many,” Crystal replied. “I know of eight that operate across the whole of the East Coast. We have had run-ins with a couple of close rival groups, but in general, most are dispersed. We have been hit hard the last few weeks here because another group in this region currently seems to get to townships a couple of days before us.”
“Have you thought you may have a leak?” Kyto asked.
“A leak? What do you mean?” Crystal said.
“Someone passing information to the other group about your plans.” He said.
“It is a possibility, but only the four of us are involved in the planning initially; the information isn’t passed out until just before we are about to do something.” She said.
“Maybe someone is using that time for their gain,” he said.
Crystal looked at him questioningly. “The only way that could happen is if one of the council members passes the information on, and the three of them have been with me since I became the leader.”
“Have any of them ever challenged you?” he asked.
“Not directly. We have disagreements and argue about things just like anyone would, but none of them have ever overstepped the mark.” She said.
“Maybe one of them is not as trustworthy as you believe.” He said.
Crystal did not want to hear this and stood up from the chair she had sat in. “Look, you don’t know what I have had to do to keep myself safe,” she retorted.
“I am not blaming or questioning what you have done,” Kyto said. “But you have even said you wanted to try and find a way out of it.”
“Yes, and the only way is through a physical fight where I instigate it; I can hold my own, don’t get me wrong, but if I lost, I would be killed anyway, so it’s a moot point.” She replied.
“Can’t you just hand over to one of your council and leave? The group would not even need to know?” Tab’s asked.
“I wish it was that simple. I tried initially, but the rules they follow are archaic; a departing raid leader is always sacrificed, and although they are my council, they are also raiders who have been for most of their lives. If TJ had not lived by the code, then I would never have survived when I killed Liam.” Crystal replied.
“Sacrificed?” Kyto asked.
“Yeah, it’s a ritual that all the raid groups have followed for decades. If a raid leader gets too old and wants to step down, they will sacrifice themselves for the better of the group.” She said.
“That’s just insane,” Kyto replied.
“Well, most raiders are not exactly the sanest people anyway. Would they enjoy doing what they do if they were?” Crystal said, shrugging.
The conversation stopped after that comment, and they sat in silence for a long moment until Kyto spoke up again.
“Look consider this. As you say, you have been planning raids a couple of days before the townships you are targeting are being hit. There is only one logical explanation for that, which means someone whom you believe you trust has been passing on information. You can soon find out who it might be if you wanted to.”
“And how might I do that? If I asked them outright and it was one of them, they would just deny it anyway.” She said.
“Yes, but you don’t need to ask them outright.” He said. “You could easily say that we have told you about a township in a certain location and that you want to go and hit it. Then you send some people to the location earlier than the planned hit and get them to keep watch. They don’t need to know why they are going. Then, if they return with information that they have seen another raiding party in that area, you know one of the three has passed information.”
“It makes sense,” she said, “but there are no more raids planned this side of winter. The weather is too bad now; we are in the process of closing down here as we need to set off to Scarshot very soon.”
“Just tell them there is a place not far from here that is accessible from the information you have gleaned. We have just travelled up from the South, and I don’t assume you have been to the other side of the river recently,” Kyto stated.
“Not for a while now. The closest bridge crossing that is safe for the trucks is at least two days' travel. We normally raid within a four-day window, so travelling for two days there and back plus scouting then raiding would take us well over a week.” Crystal replied.
“The issue is if someone passes information, how are they doing it? Do you have a radio here?” Kyto asked.
“Yeah, we do,” replied Crystal, “it’s in one of the other rooms, and it’s a pain to move around because it is so big, but we speak to Scarshot as needed. That is one of the reasons if we are going, we must set off soon as the last auction of the year is coming up. It is due to run in twenty days, so if we want to ensure we get there, we need to set off no more than four days from now, especially how the weather has changed with the snow.”
“Do you leave people behind?” Tabs asked.
“We would normally, but we are likely to move areas again further North; everywhere around here has been picked recently,” Crystal said. “We normally travel a circuit throughout the year and spend no more than three months in any one location. Townships pop up occasionally, so you never know exactly what will be in the area the next time you head around.”
“Did I see maps next door on the table?” Kyto asked.
“Yeah, we have all the townships plotted that we know of or have scouted out, and as I say, some come and go before we have even got back around on the next circuit, and new ones appear somewhere else, but you are more than welcome to have a look at it. I only go by the locations as I can’t read what’s on the map itself.” Crystal replied.
“Tab’s and I can help with that.” He said.
Crystal turned and looked at Tabs. “You can read?”
“Yeah, and write a little, Kyto has taught me.”
“Wow, you will have to teach me at some point.”
“So, we have two things to do,” Tabs stated. “One, we need to see if someone is giving information away, and two, we need to try and come up with a way to get you out of this raiding business.”
“I have never been anywhere near Scarshot, so without knowing it, it is difficult to plan how to stop it,” Kyto said.
“Well, when the auctions are on, there are raiders from all the selling groups there, as well as the buyer’s groups and normally trouble. Several rivalries have existed for years between the parties, and people have split and joined others.” Crystal said. “A couple of years ago, now, there was a brawl, and at least fifteen raiders were killed. We lost two of our members in that event. In general, though, there will normally be one or two stabbings or the like, usually over a woman or someone high on Radstims or drunk on nectar. You will see when we get there in a couple of weeks.”