Another update already! See, I told you reviews motivate me!
So you're getting a warning at the beginning of this chapter today because this one is going to be a little darker than the others, and puts my T rating to good use. It's not overly graphic, in my opinion, but it does explore slightly darker themes.
"What are they arguing about?" I asked Indra as I bit into the globe shaped fruit in my hands.
Leaning against a tree a few feet away she glanced over at the group of warriors and rolled her eyes.
"Over who is leading the next hunting party most likely," she answered offhandedly.
"And you're not interested?" I questioned as I took another bite from the fruit, sparing a moment to wipe juice that had escaped my mouth and down my chin with my sleeve. Once I had started to hold my own around the village Indra had started to warm up to me, and I was glad for her company even for as rare as it was. She was smart and relentless, not to mention tough as the nails that decorated her armor. As one of the leaders of the clan she had to be, her position was not one easily gained.
"I have clan issues elsewhere that require my attention," she told me, causing me to look up at her in confusion. I wonder what was going on…
She ignored my silent plea for her to continue and instead turned her attention back to the group of warriors at the edge of the woods. The yelling had stopped and as others took a step back it became clear who had become the victor.
No surprise there, I thought to myself as I watched Jaxon take his place at the head of the hunting party. On the ground two warriors laid wounded, their soft moans of pain the only sound that came from their direction now. That's what they get for being stupid enough to challenge Jaxon in the first place.
I rolled my eyes at the scene but pushed myself up after shoving the last piece of fruit into my mouth. I doubted either of the two men were seriously injured, but as the only official healer nearby I assumed it was my duty to go and check. As I made my way over to the group a few of the warriors I knew nodded in my direction, I returned their greetings as I slipped my way past them.
I knelt down to one of the men clutching his shoulder, I didn't recognize him but I groaned audibly when the other man turned to face me. Delano. I almost considered just leaving him to lay injured, almost. I reset the shoulder of the man who was closest to me and I moved to get closer to Delano, but his harsh glare stopped me.
"I don't need your help," he spat at me. I scoffed slightly, taking in his black eye which was getting darker by the second.
"Leave him on the ground like the roach he is then," Jaxon's voice called out behind me. I turned to face him as I stood back up, but his focus was set on Delano behind me.
"On second thought girl," Delano said, pausing to right himself and dust off any offending dirt. "I have something you can help me with right here."
My eyes widened in shock as he grabbed his crotch and made thrusting movements. The people here were much more open about their sexual relations, but this had to be insulting even by their standards. In an instant the warriors around me had gone silent and Jaxon had moved from behind me. Apparently I was right.
Delano was now pinned against the nearest tree as Jaxon forced his long knife against his throat. Growling, Jaxon's voice dropped dangerously low as he spoke to Delano, who despite his situation looked unaffected. Jaxon must have asked him a question, because after a brief nod from Delano and another threatening glare he dropped the man back to his knees on the dirt.
No one said a word as Jaxon turned and walked out of the group that had gathered around to watch - more warriors that were there originally I noted. He grabbed my elbow as he exited and tugged me along behind him stopping only once we were some distance away from the group and out of earshot.
"You shouldn't have bothered with them," he told me quietly, his voice angry yet only slightly louder than a whisper.
"They were hurt," I explained, confused on why I was being blamed for offering to do my job. It wasn't my fault Delano was a pig.
"They would have been fine," he argued, not losing the edge in his voice.
"His shoulder wasn't going to reset itself," I countered, referencing the first man who had managed not to attack me. He stood there for a moment just looking at me, before sighing and looking back at the group.
"Stay away from him," he warned, turning his stormy eyes back to mine - the anger gone. I wasn't about to tell him that he wasn't the first person to warn me of him.
"Gladly," I told him. I didn't need to be told three times. Seemingly happy that I hadn't argued with him, he nodded in approval.
"Good," he said pausing, before continuing hesitantly, "I will be gone for a few days. Stay in the village, don't do anything stupid."
I scoffed dramatically and pretended to look offended.
"Who me? I would never" I told him, my voice dripping with sarcasm. He rolled his eyes but played along anyways.
"Of course not," he teased. "I must have you confused for the other naive little sky girl with a knack for finding herself in life or death situations."
"She sounds like a handful," I replied cheekily.
"You have no idea," he responded, mostly under his breath. Our banter was interrupted when one of the warriors called for Jaxon and motioned towards the forest. It must be time for them to go…
"Stay safe Cole," he warned seriously, losing his playfulness and returning to the stone-faced lethal warrior mode that I was used to seeing. "I won't be here to save you this time."
"I guess I'll have to find another warrior in shining …. well, er, spiked leather armor to save me," I joked lamely, trying to keep the mood light. Jaxon looked unamused.
Shaking his head slightly he walked off to rejoin the group and lead them off. I suddenly found myself very alone and wondering what I should do. Both Artigas and Penn had joined the hunting party, even Nyko had opted to go for once - saying he would finally have the opportunity to go again now that I could stay behind and tend to the village. All four of them had instantly denied my request to go without even a second thought.
"Stupid macho patriarchal society," I grumbled to myself as I made my way back to the healer's building.
The next few days passed slowly. I mostly kept to myself and busied myself with work: sorting vials of medicine, cleaning and sterilizing tools and whatever other busy work I could find.
It was on the second night that my schedule was interrupted. Waking up well before dawn, I shivered as I brought my blanket up around my body. I cursed myself quietly at having forgotten to bring back my cat-skin blanket home once again. I would still be sleeping comfortably if I had...
Sighing I stood up and changed out of my sleeping clothes that I had bartered herbs for.
"I guess I can go get it now," I muttered to myself as I pulled quarter sleeve deep green dress over my head. Pants were definitely too much effort. Finding my jacket nearby I shrugged that on as well, not bothering to bundle more for just a quick trip. I stretched to pull the kinks out of my muscles, studying the horizon as I did. The full moon was still out, but it wouldn't be much longer until the sun started to edge over the mountains. If I hurried I could still get another hour of sleep or so.
I made my way towards the healer's building, stopping when I noticed something strange. Why is there light on in the windows? I approached the building slower, now confused why someone would be in their at this time of day. If someone was injured they knew where to find me, and with Nyko gone it made no sense for anyone else to be there so early.
I walked quietly into the building, curious to see what was happening. I had my knife in my back pocket of my pants, but didn't grab for it yet. Rounding the doorway I saw a man hunched over the medical supply table sorting hastily through vials he must have grabbed from the nearby shelves. His back was turned to me, all I could make out was his dark black hair in the soft candle light.
"If you're hurt I can help," I called out softly, not wanting to startle the stranger more than I was already going to. The stranger stiffened at the sound of my voice but didn't turn to face me.
"You're obviously hurt," I said, noting how his posture favored one side and his breathing seemed to be slightly labored. "Why don't you let me take a look?"
I had made it about half way across the room before stopping, my blood turning cold as he turned to face me. Of all people, why does it have to be him?
"Delano," I squeaked. He grinned sinisterly at my discomfort.
So much for staying away from him…
"Still want to help little fisa," he taunted as he leaned against the table, his arm grasping his ribs tightly.
"What happened?" I asked, unsure of what to do.
"You were there," he sneered.
I knew Jaxon had been rough on him, but I hadn't realized he had actually been injured at all.
"If it's your ribs, there's not much I can do to help, but wrapping them tightly well help alleviate some discomfort and I can give you an herb for pain," I explained to him, moving toward the far end of the supply table to grab what I needed. I didn't particularly want to be near him, but he was injured and I couldn't bring myself to send him off without treatment. Maybe my help will get him to stop hating me so much…
I grabbed the bandages I needed and moved closer to Delano, reaching around him to grab one of the vials he had dumped on the table. His hand on my wrist stopped me though.
"You think I trust you?" he asked, tightening his grip painfully.
"I'm just trying to help," I replied, trying to pull my arm away from him but his grip was absolute. He just laughed darkly before twisting my arm behind my back and forcing my head against the solid table.
"Like you helped the other day?" he questioned. One of the vials must have shattered when he slammed me forward, I could see small pieces of glass on the table next to my face and I was becoming more aware of a sharp stinging sensation across the side of my face.
"Delano, please," I called out, wanting him to release me. He released my arm, only to spin me roughly to face him - his hand taking a hold on my throat instead. Instantly he lifted me and slammed me against the table, this time I heard the vials of glass break beneath me - I felt them as well, my coat not thick enough to keep all of the shards from embedding into my skin.
"I rather like the sound of you begging me for your life," he said darkly, ignoring my cries. My hands went to his around my neck, trying to pull him away. His grip only tightened and I dug my nails into his arms in response.
My breaths were labored, and I could feel myself starting to lose consciousness. I need to do something, I thought urgently my senses heightening momentarily as adrenaline started to course through my body.
With a burst of energy I pulled my leg up and kicked at his hip as hard as I could manage, his hold weakened but never broke. However, as he leaned back from the blow I managed to bring my legs past his arms and up to my chest, giving me a barrier between him. I kicked my legs out again, aiming for his face or throat or anything I could hit hard enough to break free.
As he fell backward grabbing his own throat, air rushed into my deprived lungs. Finally.
I pushed myself off the table, still slightly disoriented. Out, I need to get out. I started moving toward the door but I didn't make it far. With a rough tug of my ankle I fell to the floor hard and groaned at the contact. Coming up beside me quickly he tangled his hand into my hair, pulling back harshly - my back arching as I screamed in pain.
"Where do you think your going little one?" he growled in my ear. "We're just starting to have fun."
I blinked back tears and blood and my entire body burned from the tension.
I didn't have much time to dwell on it though before Delano flipped me over onto my back and straddled my waist. His extra weight forced the air out of lungs and sent a pain shooting up my spine as I struggled to breathe in.
"I don't understand what they see in you," he muttered, as he grabbed my chin forcefully and turned my head from side to side.
"Fuck …. you," I wheezed at him, glaring harshly at my tormentor. His hand reached back and set my head reeling as he backhanded me angrily.
"Careful what you wish for little one," he said darkly causing me to tense beneath him. My fear escalated higher than I thought possible as I stared at him through my one eye that wasn't blurred by my own blood. He caught my hands in one of his own and dropped the other one to my waist, tugging the material up slowly.
No …. no, no, no, no, no.
My body finally caught up with my mind and I started kicking and screaming with a new energy. Twisting and turning I screamed until my throat was raw. Why was no one coming to help? Couldn't they hear me?
He easily overpowered me, and just grinned wickedly at me as his palm finally met the flesh of my hip bone and gripped it tightly. Getting one of my arms free I swung wildly at his face and was met with a sickening crunch. Cursing he raised his hands to his own face, I used the distraction to use his knees as leverage to pull myself out from underneath him. Crawling away, I didn't even get the change to try to stand up before he pulled me back towards him trapping my legs beneath him and pinning my arms against him as he held me tightly against his chest.
"I never knew you had this in you," he growled into my ear, his voice strained but excited. I struggled against him as hard as I could manage but stopped when I felt his teeth sink into my shoulder. Crying out I arched my head back. He laughed at my pain and braced one of his arms under my chest as he started to raise the fabric of my dress up again. I felt his hand moving up my thigh as if it was fire, as I thrashed against him my head made contact with his own causing him to lean back. Taking the opening I jammed my elbow into his injured ribs causing him to be the one who cried out in pain this time.
Moving forward towards the door again, the sudden effort caused me to cry out as the pain reawakened in my ribs. Hearing me, Delano ignored his injuries and lunged at me once again.
Struggling against each other, we both momentarily paused when we heard people moving about out front of the building. Realizing this was my chance, I started to scream for help but my voice came out raspy and weak. Delano wrapped his hand around my mouth and had a knife at my throat in an instant.
"Scream again and it will be the last thing you do," he whispered into my ear, digging the knife into my skin for emphasis.
"This is what is going to happen," he told me determinedly, his words now rushed as the noise from outside moved closer. "I'll let you live. You'll tell whoever finds you that you were attacked by a man you didn't recognize who was stealing pain medicine. You even breathe my name and I'll kill everyone of your sky people one by one until they stop me - starting with your little stable boy. Do you understand me little one?"
I hesitated thinking over what he had just said, it is so hard to concentrate. I couldn't seem to focus on his words.
"This doesn't require much thought," Delano said harshly, digging the blade in deeper drawing blood this time. "You nod yes or I'll slit your throat."
Nod. I need to nod.
I moved my head slightly, between his hold on me and the knife it was hard to do so without hurting myself even more. Content with the effort he pulled the knife back.
"Good," he responded. "Now don't forget our little deal alright little one?"
Not waiting for a response this time he slammed my head against the floor - spots flooded my vision and I could feel myself slipping.
I groaned when I felt his him breakaway from me, he barely spared a glance back at me as he hobbled out through the door.
Surely someone would come soon. I tried to fight off my fading consciousness, vaguely recognizing that falling asleep or passing out now heightened my chances of going into acoma.
But I could feel my energy fading, my injuries feeling more pronounced as they throbbed across my body. I looked towards the door in one last effort, seeing no one I stopped fighting and let myself fade into the darkness.