"Look. On that hill!"
Having stormed over to the huddle, I followed where Koshisigre indicated. I blinked. Sat cross-legged on the inchworm hillside, with her back to us, was Ziio. My mouth fell open in astonishment.
"What is she doing?" Koshisigre murmured, confusion spreading across his face.
But before I could answer, the chief woman flung herself forwards, defying her dwindling ability. Ziio jumped in fright and turned around. Her thick braids sailed gracefully in the air, dissolving my anger momentarily.
God, she is beautiful.
The old woman bent down and hugged Ziio, talking squeakily in her mother-tongue. The embrace between them was so affectionate that it couldn't have been mistaken for anything else: she must be Ziio's mother. I supposed that she was cooing to her daughter how worried she was; how concerned she'd been. She bade us to come closer, so we all surrounded Ziio on the hill.
I was not certain that Ziio had spotted me, but when she did…her eyes lit up like maroon stars.
"H-Haytham?"
"Hello again," I replied in mock formality.
Her face creased in perplexity. I could read the confused eyes clearly: Why are you speaking like this? But she soon saw the other Templars and understood.
"What are you doing so far from the village?"
Her flawless pupils flicked away; she shook her head. "Oh…um, I was…looking for feathers," she blurted. "But I fell from the tree and needed to rest."
She's lying, I thought, but why? I dared not question when Charles stood just feet away. My interest was obvious enough.
"Thank you, Haytham. Thank you…all of you," said Koshisigre. He rushed forward to stand Ziio up. She flinched and nudged him away. I knew how she hated being helped with simple things.
"We are in your debt," chimed Nitika.
"Not at all," growled Charles. "Haytham, we'll meet you by the river."
I nodded, hardly daring to return his cold glare. He beckoned for Thomas, Benjamin and William to accompany him. The nameless male Mohawk commanded something to Ziio, but she replied in English:
"Wait. I will join you in a moment."
The man looked surprised, nay completely baffled. He shrugged and began walking away. The others soon followed.
I waited until they were all truly gone before turning to Ziio. I had a hunch that Charles may be spying on me, so I said in a hushed tone:
"What's the real reason for you being here?"
Her lip wobbled. After a couple of seconds' silence she looked away and sighed.
"Alright. I wanted to escape the village."
"Why?"
She shrugged. I hated it when she acted so nonchalant. Something was wrong. Koshisigre had said so. She seemed down when I saw her.
And so I tried a different tactic: allure. I took her hand and squeezed it gently. She did the same in return...but said nothing.
"I'll rephrase: what is the matter?"
Silence.
"I-I need to tell you something," she came out with suddenly.
My eyes widened (which was probably the wrong reaction). "Fire away."
"But I am not sure I can," she choked. "I am sorry to behave like this, Haytham. I know that it is not what one would expect of me."
At that moment I wanted to kiss her; I truly did. But I couldn't risk it. What if someone was watching? I would be in huge trouble.
"It does not bother me, Ziio. But what does bother me is that you will not tell me what is wrong."
"But…but…" her hand quivered madly in mine.
She's nervous. The boldest, bravest and most beautiful woman I know is nervous.
"I must arrange a time I can tell you. When I am ready."
I nodded, wondering what on earth made the problem so dramatic that Ziio would need to prepare to tell me.
"I cannot risk it tonight. I have already fallen out with Charles."
"What about just before dawn?"
"Yes, alright. But not by the river. Perhaps here would be better. My men would never suspect a thing."
"See you then."
She probably feared that she was being watched too, because the only farewell I received was a squeeze of the hand. I watched her walk away sadly.
Whatever this news is, it is affecting her hugely.
Charles was at my throat from the moment I stepped into the clearing. He came stamping towards me, eyes like thunder.
"That was her."
"Pardon?"
"Your savage girlfriend," he snarled. "Ziio. I remember her name, now. And now I see why you were so keen to help."
"What do you –"
"Don't play the ignorant folly with me," he hissed dangerously. "Any excuse to visit your lady friend."
"She is not –"
"Really, Haytham. I thought you knew better than to fall for a savage."
"Enough!"
I roared so violently that my voice lingered in the trees for long after. A strangling silence screamed back at me. My head filled with all that Charles had said – had dared to say – and it started to whip into a mighty storm.
"I am not seeing that – that woman, and I never was! Before you question my private life so severely, just remember that you need solid evidence!"
His fingers flexed; he rounded on me at once. I backed into the nearest tree with a light thump.
"Oh? What would you classify as 'solid evidence'? Frequent and mysterious absences? Daydreaming during work? Taking things to heart when I say 'savage'? Because that is what that woman is, Haytham. Nothing but a livid animal."
"She's my friend, Charles!" My cries erupted from me like lava. I snatched him by the collar, snarling. "And if you ever insult her again, ever – the consequences will be dramatic. Do you hear?"
With that I released him, but was careful to shove him a few feet backwards. He stayed firmly on his feet and fired a cold look from his already ice-blue eyes.
The others were also stunned, staring at the brawl from a safe distance. I ignored them. Storming straight past them, I declared:
"Come on. Our work here is done."
"Wha' –" began Thomas, but William stopped him before I did.
"Mount your horses. We have seen quite enough for one day."
I think even Charles would have agreed to that.
Voilà! So, 4 things are clear now:
1. You shouldn't go near Haytham when he's angry. Oh snap.
2. Charles hates the Natives.
3. He's an idiot.
4. Ziio still won't tell Haytham her secret. (Ah, seriously?!)
What's gonna happen next, then?
Thank you for reading!