Lidea couldn’t say that she was happy to be back in the saddle the next day, but fully rested it felt like less of a chore. Although no amount of stretching had helped to make her legs feel less stiff.
She supposed that her body would just have to get used to it.
“So you are going east?”
Roland stood next to her as he helped to cinch the horse’s saddle tighter, causing the animal to turn his ears back in irritation.
“Straight toward the sea. According to Crystal, the Kálmán tribe should be there for some Udrän celebration. Hopefully, we can catch them on the way. After that, we will travel south to Astresh.”
Even as she spoke the words, it was hard to accept them as reality. How was she on this journey? She had never even imagined to leave Lynoës.
“I’m sure you will find them. Thank you for doing this. It will be easier with the help of the tribes.”
He studied her before grabbing her hand into his, a proud smile on his face.
“If only your father could see you now. You look just like him when we left for Umbrae.”
His eyes brimmed as he was lost in his memories. Lidea didn’t know how to respond but swallowed her tears before joking awkwardly.
“I think he would be rather horrified.”
“That too.”
Roland chuckled hoarsely as he let her go.
“I can only wish you a good journey, my Lady, and don’t worry about the resistance. Firon and I will take care of it for you.”
Lidea glanced at where Firon was similarly talking to Warchief, who still stood beside his horse. The two bantered as if they hadn’t argued yesterday.
“I know you will. Firon has everything to become a strong leader, he just needs some guidance. I’m happy that you volunteered for that role.”
Her grin caused Roland to burst out in laughter that rang through the group of people who had gathered to wave them off.
“I wasn’t aware that I had a choice.”
“Ow? Did you forget?”
“I haven’t grown senile yet.”
This time it was Lidea who laughed as Warchief and Firon came to stand with them.
“Before we leave, I just wanted to gift you this.”
Warchief removed two heavy pouches from his belt and gifted one to each of them. The men shared a look of confusion before opening their gift which resulted in them staring at the contents in awe.
Their reaction made her wonder about just how much money that man had given away with no second glance.
“That is too much!”
Firon tried to protest but Warchief didn’t listen as he mounted his horse.
“Then save it. But it will be handy to have if you ever need something. Find a way to contact us and I will make sure that you receive it.”
The giant’s mouth practically hung open, in contrast, Roland quickly hid away the pouch in his oversized jacket.
“Thank you, Warchief. We will use it wisely.”
His orange eyes sparked in mirth as he grinned while waving them goodbye, to join Crystal who sat on her nervously prancing mare.
“Good luck to you all, we will see you in a year!”
The way he left so unceremoniously was almost comical and Lidea shared an apologetic smile to the bystanders.
“Thank you all for having entrusted your lives to us. I promise that we will find help, but in the meantime I want you all to find happiness in some way or another. We owe it to those we lost.”
The crowd's reactions were mixed and Lidea was sure that some were glad to see her go. That they saw her as the source of their misfortune. It pained her but she understood their sentiment.
Her eyes found Firon’s one last time.
“When Taylor comes back, tell him that he did well and that I’m sorry to have already left.”
He simply nodded but a snort came from Cedric who stood off to the side.
“The poor man’s heart will be broken to see you gone!”
Lidea rolled her eyes at his teasing and waved one last time before she left the people and all she had once been familiar with, behind.
As she caught up to Warchief and Crystal, the latter sighed in relief.
“Finally. I thought we were never going to leave!”
She lengthened her horse’s reins and it took off in a fast trot.
In fear that her horse would follow, Lidea grabbed for the saddle’s pommel but Warchief stayed in a gentle walk beside her.
“Don’t mind her. She needs to lose some of her energy.”
“Her horse looked nervous.”
“Try excited. It could feel Crystal’s anticipation. She hasn’t been near the sea for a while.”
His comment reminded her that her mother had been a sea demon, did that mean that Crystal had some sort of strange affinity for water?
“We aren’t going there to play though.”
He glanced at her before sighing.
“We know that. But we will have to rest anyway, and it would make her happy. Besides, we need to replenish our funds.”
Although Lidea understood, she couldn’t help but feel driven to hurry. Her people were waiting for their return, and every day they lost was another where the Pleberien church got away with its misdeeds.
Yet, she tried to push the thought out of her head and instead focused on the question that popped into her head.
“Funds?”
Warchief grinned mischievously and Lidea knew that she wouldn’t like whatever he was about to say.
“Well, I just gave away all my money. So we will need to earn some more.”
“Are you an idiot! How could you give them everything!? And how are you going to earn it back!? Do you think the water will just bring you some gold!?”
Her reaction greatly amused him, his laughter so loud that the resistance might still be able to hear.
“That would make it easier, but no. Crystal has several places where she stores precious gems that she finds through her dives.”
Lidea blinked, in her bedtime stories, it had always been dragons who hoarded treasure.
“Is that why you two seem to throw money around as if it is nothing?”
He shrugged.
“Money exists to be used.”
Spoken as someone who had never scraped by in his life. Lidea could barely believe that the man had once been a slave. Shouldn’t he know better?
“Look, be happy that we have it. It will make our travels considerably easier and safer.”
He was right, but it still didn’t sit right with her frugal mind.
“I still can’t believe that you are coming with us. After all the grief you gave me.”
Despite what he said, there was no hint of frustration on his face. Which helped ease Lidea’s guilt for her prior behavior.
“I suppose, I owe you an apology. I was hurt and didn’t believe it would work.”
“But you do now?”
“It will have to. We have no other way.”
He grunted in acknowledgment. She couldn’t in good conscious act as if this plan was not full of gaping holes. What if they didn’t make it? Or if they reached the hidden harbor and there was nothing? The Dragon Order could have moved again. And even if they made it all the way there, this prince of him might not help them.
Yet, her heart felt steady.
It was a long shot, but it was the only one they had to restore Lynoës to its former glory. All of her meticulous plans had failed, so maybe a gamble would find more success.
They continued riding at a slow pace and Crystal kept running off just to return to them periodically. She had never seen the healer act so childlike, and Lidea felt bad about holding them back.
“It is better to ride slowly, than if you hurt yourself and we have to stop completely.”
Warchief stated unprompted, still able to read her thoughts like a book.
Another thing Lidea needed to change. It would do her no favors if her opponents could see right through her.
The sound of hooves made her look over to see Crystal cantering back to them.
“There are nomads ahead. I don’t know if it is the Kálmán, but we are in their territory so it is possible.”
If it was, then they had been given a huge boon as it spared them from having to look for their illusive group. Although the Horse Nomads were numerous, they were hard to come by when you didn’t know where to look. The vast rolling hills of the Udrän landscape, create far too many places to hide.
“That reminds me. What is that favor they owe your family?”
Warchief asked her in curiosity as the three started a trot while approaching the traveling group.
“When my father was young, Udrän sent a representative to the capital to plea for lower income taxes. They had been experiencing a drought, and couldn’t afford the money they had to spend to sell their remaining goods. When the old King refused, my father stepped in and bought their goods off the books, before selling it through the internal market. He even overpaid for their items. Just because they needed the help.”
Tenderness mixed with sadness rolled through her. Her father had been an idiot at times, but his heart had been bigger than most.
“The representative at the time was of the Kálmán tribe, and without my father, she would have been shamed for coming back empty-handed.”
There was a hint of admiration on Warchief’s face as he responded.
“You know, if I believe the stories I hear over him, your father must have been a perfect man.”
“He was.”
She answered without hesitation, causing Warchief to look at her in doubt.
Before them, Lidea caught sight of the small encampment that Crystal had noticed. It consisted of a handful of colorful tents in bright hues of orange, blue, and even purple, and each was decorated with custom paintings and a myriad of nick-knacks, going from jewels to handcrafted sculptures. The nasal sound of an utsagote accompanied the scene. A flute-like instrument that was often used in Udrän folk music and had even found some popularity in Lynoës as well.
“Let’s hope it’s them.”
Lidea grinned only to notice how still Crystal had become. The healer looked forlorn as she stared at the camp, and Lidea remembered Warchief saying she had a strained relationship with the Udrän. Understanding made her turn to the woman and whisper.
“You don’t need to come with us.”
A small smile spread over her lips.
“You don’t need to worry. I can handle this.”
“I know that. But why put yourself through that?”
The two women stared at one another for a while. Crystal’s filled with part concern, part relief.
“Will you be alright on your own?”
“She won’t be alone, I am with her.”
Warchief huffed but his reassurance didn’t convince Crystal, her jewel-like eyes gazing doubtfully at him before pointing back at Lidea.
“As I said. Will you be alright?”
He almost looked dismayed, if you ignored the twitching in the corners of his mouth.
“No worries. I will make sure he behaves.”
Relief crossed Crystal’s face and she shot her a grateful smile.
“Alright. I will wait here then.”
Lidea nodded and glanced at Warchief who winked at her before riding forward.
“Let’s see if they will receive us.”
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As they drew near, there was a movement within the camp and people started to gather. Their curiosity was normal, as Lidea doubted they received many foreigners in the heart of the Udrän planes.
Even if their wares were seen as exquisite, there were only a limited number of merchants willing to stay in tents among the smell of horses. Instead, it were the travelers of Udrän who would go abroad to sell their wares to wealthy patrons. A favorable agreement for both sides, as the Udrän weren’t keen on foreigners being in their villages either.
“Mit edzebtek ne, utsnogenok?”
An older woman split the crowd as she walked forward. Her long braid of black hair almost touched the ground and was adorned by an uncountable number of earth-toned beads. The decorations didn’t stop there, as most of her upper body and face were covered by scar-like tattoos. They were raised above the skin and looked raw, very different from the smooth-colored lines Lidea was used to.
They were unusual but seemed to fit the tall and broad-shouldered woman.
Knowing that to them, it was impolite to greet one from a horse’s back. Lidea tried to dismount as gracefully as her stiffened limbs allowed for. Based on the giggling coming from the crowd, she wasn’t doing too great of a job and Lidea was glad that her sunburn hid how her cheeks heated in embarrassment as she went to bow in front of the woman.
“I greet thee, Udrän Lord. My apologies but I do not speak your language.”
She waited for her to respond, as she was certain the woman did speak Lynoën. The centuries that Lynoës had stood as Asmeon’s main trading hub, had caused their language to be used widely for trading purposes and international affairs. As the head of her tribe, there would be no way that she hadn’t learned.
However, the woman just stared at her with impenetrable brown eyes, forcing Lidea to continue.
“My name is Lidea Valkyrea from Lynoës. Beside me stands…”
Her words stocked, panic hitting her as she couldn’t possibly introduce Warchief by that name. Luckily, he smoothly took over, his silver tongue proving as useful as ever.
“Turol Rietzia, nice to meet you, my Lord.”
His bow was more elegant than hers, and his radiant smile almost hid away the hint of mischief that was ever present in his eyes. She marveled at how skillfully he used his charm, as she could see a faint blush spread over the Lord’s features. She must have a weakness for good-looking men, even those who were young enough to be her son.
The woman’s eyes moved back to Lidea’s face as she studied it, before speaking.
“Your face has been marked, Lady of the West. But I can see your parents in you. My name is Balint of the Kálmán.”
Her clipped accent was so heavy that Lidea barely understood, but her lips curled up when she did. Crystal had been right.
“You were acquainted with my family?”
“Naturally. I worked with them through the years that our deal stood.”
Lidea could feel Warchief’s eyes on her but kept her attention on the Lord.
“I suppose your presence is related to that group of Lynoën people that entered our borders?”
“Your assumption is correct. I hoped you would return the favor my father once granted the Kálmán tribe. However, I am also here as a friend to warn you of the danger that is lurking in the West.”
Her words caused a commotion and Balint furrowed her brows before opening her arms to welcome them into the camp.
“Very well, I will hear your words, daughter of the Valkyrea. Though it would be wise to remember that our debt is owed to your father, not you.”
Lidea had expected her to push back, but it didn’t matter. Trade between their people and the resistance would be beneficial to them both. She wouldn’t refuse.
“I understand.”
“Good. Then come.”
Their horses were taken by a couple of children before Warchief and Lidea followed Balint to the center of their camp where a grand circle-shaped tent stood.
Entering, Lidea followed her host's example and kicked off her shoes before stepping onto the thickly carpeted floor. She was surprised to see no walls separating the living quarters from the pile of furs, which she suspected to be the Lord’s bed. In Lynoës' prudent society, it would have been improper for strangers to see one's sleeping arrangements, but the Udrän Lord seemed unconcerned as she led them to a circle of pillows arranged around a table.
As they sat down, the Lord hinted at a man standing near the entrance, before clacking her tongue and focusing on them.
“Now, what is this danger you speak of.”
Balint slumped down on the pillows, more at ease now that they were no longer watched by her people.
“You know of the troubles that plague Lynoës?”
Lidea paused until the woman nodded before continuing.
“We were among those resisting the madness in our country and were recently attacked. The army that fought us was not that of Lynoës but of Ligero. Not having heard of them before, we underestimated them and paid for that mistake with many lives. Now that we are gone, Lynoës will invade the south and I fear that this new army will allow them to win. After that, it is only a matter of time before they turn their attention to Udrän. The Pleberien religion is hungry, and I doubt it will stop after it gained its first taste of victory.”
The Lord’s initial interest waned quickly until she looked rather bored.
“If Lynoës dares to attack, then we will teach them a lesson as we have before.”
Lidea closed her eyes and clenched her jaws. Desperately trying but failing to hide her frustration.
“These soldiers were different. Stronger, and without a sense of pain. They will not be as easy to defeat as Lynoës was.”
Despite her efforts to make Balint believe her, she remained unconvinced as she stared at her with calm disinterest
It shouldn’t bother Lidea, after all, it wasn’t her problem if they took proper precautions or not, but she couldn’t help but feel defeated.
“One day, you will regret dismissing her warnings. When those Ligerians stand in front of you, and you see your people fall to their blade.”
Warchief interjected, his voice sharp and unyielding. Uncaring that his words could offend Balint.
His support warmed Lidea’s heart, but she wished he had held his tongue until after they discussed the possible trade between them and the resistance. Yet, the woman didn’t seem offended, as she looked rather amused at Warchief.
“We shall see when that time comes.”
Their talk was interrupted when the man from before, came in to pour them tea. The bitter-tasting watery substance wasn’t her drink of choice, but she thanked him and brought the cup to her lips. Grateful that it gave her a moment to regroup herself as Balint and Warchief kept staring at each other until she scraped her throat.
“Anyway, I have given you the message. Now shall we discuss the favor?”
She mustered her most smug grin, causing Balint to raise her eyebrows in suspicion.
“Spit it out. What do you need?”
Her rudeness irked Lidea, but she ignored it while keeping her tone respectful.
“My people had to flee here. We are thankful that the Udrän has accepted our presence, but I want to ask if you would allow us to trade with you.”
Whatever Balint had expected had not been this, as she visibly relaxed.
“My people are never deterred from a good trade. But does a group of refugees have anything of value for us? Or are you asking me to gift you things?”
“I promise you honest compensation for any of your goods. We might have had to flee, but we prepared well.”
Balint tipped her head, clearly interested in that possibility as she took a sip of her tea while studying Lidea’s face.
“It is disappointing, that you resemble that mother of yours more. She was always so serious and would suck the life out of every conversation. Very different to Syrion.”
Lidea stiffened, she never enjoyed being likened to her mother.
“If he hadn’t been so besotted with her, I would have stolen him away. What a charming man he was, the joy at every party and honest to a fault. He would have fitted well here with the Udrän.”
Her mind conjured up the comical image of her slender, be it athletic, father being pursued but this warrior-like woman. How he would have tried to discuss helping the Udrän people, only for her to come onto him strong. After all, the horse nomads held very different beliefs on chastity and love compared to their Western neighbors.
She doubted he would have been interested, even if her mother hadn’t been in the picture yet.
“He would have fitted well here. Such a pity what that King did to him. I thought he was better than his father, but cowardice must run deep in that family.”
Balint’s voice turned wistful, and Lidea held on tightly to her now empty cup.
But, her moment of melancholy was fleeting as the Lord was quick to recover herself.
“As long as they pay fairly, we trade with anyone that wishes to do so.”
Her sudden declaration made Lidea smile in relief, at least she had managed to help the others in some way.
“Then let me prove to you that we will. I am in the market for a fully trained Shorshitzä, do you have one available?”
That got the Balint’s attention and she grinned, as Warchief stared at Lidea in utter confusion. Probably wondering how they were in any capacity to buy anything right now.
“We might, but those birds are priceless. Not an item that can be traded by just anyone.”
Her heart leaped at the confirmation that they had one. The long-distance messenger birds of Udrän were renowned for their incredible speed and intelligence. Since the tribes moved frequently, traditional carrier pigeons, which only returned to their home lofts, were ineffective. However, the Shorshitzä possessed an extraordinary sense of smell. Making them capable of transporting messages between individuals rather than fixed locations. All that was needed was an item belonging to the person, and the bird would find them, no matter how far away they were.
“I’m aware. Just name your price.”
The Lord narrowed her eyes, as she considered how much she could drain from Lidea’s pockets.
“Twenty thousand gold.”
It was a ridiculous price, and Lidea considered haggling it down just for the principle of it. Balint expected her to do so. However, Lidea intended to show them the resistance possessed the kind of wealth that would appeal to a trading people like the Udrän.
“This should cover it.”
Balint’s eyes rounded as Lidea grabbed a pen out of her pocket. It was made of gold, and unlike the quills which were commonly used, the ink was contained inside. It was wildly decorated, with some elvish mark to show off its make. One of those ridiculously expensive items that Warchief left rolling around in his office without a single care. Having never seen one before and curious about how it compared, Lidea had picked it up off the floor to try it out. Only to realize that she would never be able to return to using a quill after that. So she did the one thing that anybody would have done. She swiped it, knowing Warchief wouldn’t miss it.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Warchief struggling to contain his laughter and she quickly looked away before she followed suit.
Balint grabbed it and looked carefully over the item before appreciatively humming as she put it back on the table.
“Trade accepted.”
Lidea grinned as she started to get up, only to pause as Balint resumed speaking.
“In honor of your father, let me give you a final advice. I saw what company you travel with. The Eater’s spawn is not someone you should trust. Her father was a noble and wise man, one of the most courageous warlords that Udrän had ever seen, but he fell for the sea demon’s spell. He took pity on her, and in return, she dragged him to the bottom of the ocean to feast on his flesh. Tread carefully, Lady Valkyrea, their kind is good at pretending to be whatever you want them to be.”
The venomous tone she used to disparage Crystal, sent Lidea into a quiet rage. How could they condemn the healer for crimes, she hadn’t committed? Wasn’t it the Udrän who didn’t believe in inheritance through blood? Crystal wasn’t her mother, just as Lidea wasn’t hers either.
Even the ever-grinning Warchief had lost his smile, as he balled his hands into fists. Lidea grabbed his arm and pinched it, trying to make him mindful of his rising temper.
“I will keep it in mind, Lord Balint, but I disagree. She is a dear friend and one I owe multiple life debts to.”
The older woman huffed, not shocked to see her reaction in the slightest.
“Just remember that King Morto was once a friend of your father too.”
A pang of hurt hit her heart, and she stood up.
“Thank you for your hospitality. Perhaps we might meet again in the future.”
Warchief was less subtle than her, as he stormed out of the tent without a second glance.
“I like that one, you should keep him close. Now goodbye, Lidea Valkyrea. Wait at your horse and one of my people will bring your bird.”
She couldn’t care less for the woman’s opinions on her friends but was glad that she hadn’t lost her precious pen for nothing.
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Balint hadn’t lied, and not long after they returned to Crystal with an unassuming brown bird seated on Lidea’s saddle.
“How did it go? I see we have an addition to the group, is that a Shorshitzä?”
Crystal asked, her face pensive as she studied the bird.
“It went well. They were indeed Kálmán, and will be giving our guys a chance to trade with them. And yes, I thought it would be useful to have a messenger bird.”
At the bird’s mention, Warchief broke his sullen silence with an amused smile as he visibly fought the urge to laugh again.
His reaction caused Crystal to become curious and she shot a questioning gaze at Lidea.
“What is he snickering about?”
Lidea smiled sheepishly, not completely understanding either why Warchief thought her bartering with his pen was so funny.
“Well, our unending money supplier gave away everything he had. So I traded the bird for one of those golden pens of him.”
“I just can’t believe that miss goody-two-shoes stole from me! How many other things do you have of mine?”
“Nothing! Just a couple of pens. They are useful and you didn’t even notice they were gone!”
“How do you know that I did not miss them?”
“Did you then?”
Lidea narrowed her eyes at the man whose shoulders shook in hilarity. As he calmed down enough to respond, she saw him wiping away tears.
“By Gods, no. Chase sends me so many of those that I don’t know what to do with them. I would have given them to you if you just asked.”
He admitted and her cheeks heated slightly but she was quickly distracted by the unfamiliar name. The instant way in which Warchief sobered up, told her that he hadn’t meant to give away that tidbit of information, but Lidea wasn’t about to let him get away. Not this time.
“Who is Chase?”
Warchief groaned as he glanced at Crystal, whose turn it was now to start laughing.
“No, I’m not saving you. She has the right to ask.”
Thinking of the pen’s clear elvish design, reminded her of the compass and all the other priceless items that Warchief possessed.
“Is he the elf you write with? Why is he sending you gifts?”
Warchief stayed tight-lipped, frustrating Lidea as her curiosity grew.
“Because he is trying to buy Warchief’s affection.”
Crystal answered her question in a sing-songy voice, the implications causing Lidea to grow red in the face. She didn’t think Chase was a woman’s name right? She had heard whispers of same-sex relations, they were accepted in other places but not in Lynoës.
“Demon! Don’t tell her things to make her misunderstand!”
Lidea glanced at Crystal, afraid she would be hurt by being called like that but the healer smiled devilishly.
“Why don’t you tell her then?”
He narrowed his eyes, but Lidea wasn’t about to let her ally fight alone.
“Indeed, why don’t you explain? Else I have to imagine that an elf named Chase is pursuing you.”
Warchief looked between the both of them, dropping his eyes with a half-smile as he sighed in defeat.
“I’m starting to regret letting you join our trip. I feel like it will be the new norm that you two span together.”
“Ow, I would have come regardless if you had let me or not.”
“Of course you would.”
He paused and she almost thought he wouldn’t give her the explanation she wanted, but then he did.
“Chase is my brother. Adoptive brother, I mean. His elfish name would be Chase’ziard.”
Considering what she knew of Warchief’s history, she assumed he had been the one to be adopted. That explained why he spoke elfish. But how did an orphaned boy from Deloshra end up being adopted in Neoire? Not only were the elves one of the most secluded beings in the world, but the physical distance between the two nations was simply too great with Deloshra being one of the most southern nations of Asmeon, while Neoire was located in the very north.
“Chase is… eccentric.”
The way Crystal snorted at his brother’s description, made her suspect the elf was a bit more than just eccentric.
“He travels more than most elves do, and was the one to bring me home with him.”
The story sounded made up but Lidea didn’t doubt that it was the truth. It was too outlandish to be anything but. It made her wonder about the kind of person Chase was. Elves were often described as cold and arrogant, but would such a person pick up an orphaned human?
“He must care for you a lot.”
Warchief didn’t answer immediately, a far-off expression on his face.
“In his own way, he does.”
Warchief was mostly quiet for the rest of the day, as they continued east. With every step, Crystal became more antsy, stating she could smell the sea.
Lidea didn’t know what she meant until they crested another hill and a strong breeze hit them at the top. The scent of salt tingled her nose and from their vantage point, she could see an endless body of water stretch out to the horizon. Lidea had never seen anything like it and halted her horse to just take in the view.
Warchief grabbed onto her reins and before she could ask him why, Crystal took off in a gallop. Leaning forward over her mare's neck, she raced down the hill toward the beach, dismounting before the horse had even halted. As she ran over the sand, Crystal discarded her clothes onto the shore and vanished into the waves.
Leaving Lidea to stare at the water in concern until she realized that the woman must be able to breathe underwater.
“How long will she be gone?”
As the danger had passed, Warchief let her go and shrugged as they made their way down at a more leisurely pace.
“Who knows? It will be best to set up camp here.”
“But, it is barely afternoon!”
“Then why don’t you try and get her to return?”
She stared at the water before her, only now realizing how stupid she sounded. They wouldn’t continue without Crystal, and they didn’t have a way to contact or even follow her. Until she returned on her own, they were stuck here.
“Why is she so impulsive? We could have continued and she could have gone for a swim in the evening.”
Lidea grumbled, as Warchief dismounted and started to unpack all they needed for the night.
“She is a demon.”
He stated as if that was all the explanation she needed.
“Half demon, she is human too.”
Despite her complaining, she wasn’t about to let him do all the work so she started helping out with setting up their tents.
“Barely. She grew up with mostly her mother. Only meeting humans when she was already a couple of decades old.”
That made her think. She had never considered how a sea demon would raise a half-human child. Did Crystal just live with her underwater?
“I’m not answering those million questions of yours, just hold on to them and you can ask Crystal when she returns.”
The way he read her mind was starting to get annoying.
After they finished preparing for the night, Warchief prepared an early dinner using part of their ration with added seaweed and shells.
She had never eaten clams before but was sold after a single bite of the deliciously sweet and tender meat.
“Never had them before?”
Lidea only nodded, too busy devouring everything on her plate to speak. Warchief didn’t seem to mind, as he grinned while giving her his portion as well. She wanted to protest but he didn’t let her.
“Enjoy it, now you still can. I have eaten so many of them that I can barely stand them anymore.”
That was all she needed to accept his generosity, and she gladly continued until her stomach felt like it would explode.
Satisfied, she stared at the gently rolling waves as the sun hung low above the water. Their rhythmic sound made her feel sleepy, but as her mind drifted away images of the dead she left behind in the shelter made her tear up. She had managed to push her grief to the background by keeping herself busy, but now she had nothing to distract her.
Crying about them, won’t change anything. You need to become stronger, so next time you can defend them even if you stand all alone.
“Warchief?”
Just as she had been, the man was staring at the sea. Lost to his own thoughts before she interrupted him.
“Yes?”
“Could we start training together? I need to learn how to defend myself from someone like you.”
He nodded with no hesitation as if he had expected her to make that requestion.
“As long as you are aware that I’m no teacher.”
“That doesn’t matter. I doubt I would be able to use your style effectively anyway. I just need a punching bag to try my ideas on.”
Warchief chuckled before giving her a toothy smile.
“It would be my honor.”
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