Return
If Sonea thought she had been tired in the past, she had been mistaken. After three days of following Akkarin south, she was beyond feeling tired. They were still some way from the South Pass, despite all their efforts. Yet, Akkarin's pace did not slacken and she marvelled at his endurance. It was taking its toll, though, as she noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the thinness of his face.
Well, I am sure I'm no picture either, she thought, glancing down at her scruffy boots and grimy trousers.
They had not found much in the way of water or food. She had become as capable as he at catching birds and small animals but she had not seen many on their trek. They had existed mainly on berries, roots and a few nuts, none of it particularly tasty or filling.
As they neared the top of the rocky hill, Akkarin signed for her to stop. She sat down gratefully and closed her eyes. Perhaps sitting down was not a good idea, she thought. I shall have to get up again soon, and I don't think I can!
There was a movement as Akkarin sat down beside her. He took her hand and she felt a small flow of Healing. She looked up and found him watching her intently.
"I am sorry it's so tiring, Sonea, but we must reach the Pass before Parika and kill his slaves before he can strengthen himself." Akkarin sounded weary.
She reached up and laid her hand against his cheek, running her fingers through the dark stubble there. "I know….."
"You haven't answered Lorlen's call yet. If you did, he would arrange for horses and food."
"If I answer, all will hear, including Parika and the rest of the Ichani. It is better to remain silent and perhaps they will think we have travelled away from the border. They haven't seen us or found our trail, so it is more likely they will think we are somewhere else."
Akkarin rose to his feet and bent down to catch her hand to pull her up. She smothered a groan and stood beside him. A few steps brought them to the summit and Sonea could see down into the next valley. It was greener and there were more bushes than they had seen for the past few days. Perhaps there will be more birds around, she thought.
Two hours travel brought them to the valley floor. The vegetation was definitely better and they could hear animal and bird noises on the breeze. The ground was less rocky and softer underfoot. In the distance, she could see woodland. I hope this lasts. But Sonea didn't like the look of the high mountain at the end of the valley. She turned to Akkarin.
"Which direction now?"
She gave a short laugh as he pointed directly at the high mountain she had just noticed.
"It's the last one, once over that we will be at the Pass. I expect that Parika's slaves will be camped somewhere in this valley, near the route to the Pass. We must be careful."
Dusk was beginning to fall before they found a suitable place to stop for the night. They were in the middle of a clump of woodland and it looked as if there had once been a farm there. Some of the buildings were still standing, although in various stages of disrepair. Having checked that there were no unwelcome guests already established, Akkarin picked out a small, low structure, which had most of its roof intact. The entrance was missing its door and there was a hole where perhaps a small window might have been, but it was out of the wind and looked reasonably dry.
Sonea explored the surroundings and found a ragged piece of tarpaulin, which was just big enough to cover the window space. There was nothing useful to block the doorway, so they decided to camp in the corner, away from any draught. They piled up dried grasses to make a bed and covered it with their cloaks.
"All we need now is supper!" Sonea grinned. "I wonder what was making those bird noises."
Akkarin listened for a moment or two and then went outside. Sonea heard a squawk and a few minutes later, he returned, carrying a large white bird.
"A mullook!" she gasped. "A lovely, large, tasty mullook. My stomach is rumbling already."
While Akkarin prepared the meal, Sonea went in search of water. She found a small stream not far from the buildings and took the opportunity of washing herself. There was nothing around to carry water in, so she was forced to create a stone basin from a piece of debris. I hope no one out there is looking for magic.
By the time she had returned with the water, the bird was cooked and several large pieces were waiting for her. Both of them were so hungry they ate without delicacy, taking large mouthfuls, sucking on the bones and licking every speck of fat and juices from their fingers. The feast was soon finished and Sonea heated the last of the water so they could clean faces, hands and fingers.
Akkarin sighed and sprawled on the bedding. He held out his hand and Sonea sat down beside him. They put their arms around each other, as she rested her face against his chest. It was so peaceful, she almost found herself drifting off to sleep.
"I am glad you came with me, Sonea," he said after a while. "And I am sorry for all the things I had to do like separating you from Rothen and cutting you off from others."
She looked up at him, "It had to be done, I know that now." She pulled his head down towards her face and kissed him. "I forgive you."
He laughed and slipped his hands under her shirt. She felt the warm stirrings of passion and they were soon both lost in the joyous exploration of their bodies and ensuring all their needs and desires were satisfied.
Afterwards, lying once again wrapped in his arms, listening to his heart beat, Sonea thought that she had never been so happy, despite the difficulties they faced. The more she came to know Akkarin, the more she understood his nature. She recognised his innate kindness, his sense of duty and his sense of purpose.
But he is not perfect, she thought. He can be arrogant, pig-headed and I am sure I will find out something awful about him one of these days, but I don't care. I love him and I will never feel this way about anyone else….
She looked up at his face. He had fallen asleep, his breathing deep and regular. No nightmares, now, she thought. There haven't been any since we became lovers. Lovers, lovers, she said the word over and over in her mind. I am the High Lord's lover. It still sounded strange to her. She giggled suddenly. If we were still in the Guild, would the High Lord's lover have an official position? Would she have a gold incal on her underwear? She had to put both hands over her mouth to stifle her giggles. She didn't want to wake him. I suppose all the previous High Lords were too old.! No one ever imagined that a High Lord would take a young lover.
She smoothed his hair back, and smiled to herself. Do I like him better with a beard or without? She couldn't decide.