Page 26 of Rhaz's Redemption
I rose to my feet and headed toward Tarak who was burping Tabby on his shoulder.
“Can I talk to you?” I asked abruptly.
Tarak looked up at me with surprise. “Of course, if you have a concern I wish to hear it.”
Concern, demand, same difference right? Because I wasn’t here to voice a concern, I was here to ask permission to do something dangerous, maybe stupid even.
“I worried about Rhaz. I feel like he should have returned already,” I said with as much resolve as I could muster.
“His goal wasn’t an easy one,” Tarak replied. “Convincing Dameron to do anything would be nearly impossible, even for Rhaz.”
“I understand that, but I uh….” I chewed my bottom lip as I thought about how to put into words what I was feeling. “I just have a sense that something is wrong.”
That wasn’t the most eloquent way to put it, but it was the truth.
Tarak nodded in understanding. “I see.”
“I would like to go check on him,” I admitted with my chin up. I wanted to look as capable and confident as possible.
The Savrix looked me up and down and immediately said, “No.”
“But-”
Tarak held up his hand to silence me and continued. “I will ask for volunteers this afternoon. I agree someone should check on him, but that person will not be you. It’s too dangerous.”
“Thank you,” relief flooded through me. Someone was going to check on Rhaz. I was kind of hoping Tarak would offer to let me join whoever he sent, but it didn’t look like that would be the case. That was fine. I didn’t need to check on him myself. He didn’t want me, and I didn’t need him. This was good, great even. But even so, I was annoyed that I wasn’t allowed to go.
That evening, Tarak stayed true to his word and asked the hunters at dinner if anyone would like to volunteer to check on the badger shifter who’d been gone for too long.
“I’ll go,” Zander volunteered. “I need to go back and check on my sister anyway. If Rhaz is in any trouble, I’ll make sure to get him out of it.” His tone was somber and resolute. Zander was from the other dekes and knew just how serious of a promise he was making.
I should be relieved. Zander was a capable male, able to hold his own, but did I trust him? I didn’t even really know him. What if he went back and found his sister needed his help. Would he be delayed in helping Rhaz? Would that delay cost Rhaz his life?
Maybe I should go too? I know Tarak told me no, but what if I snuck out and trailed far behind Zander? He wouldn’t notice I was there until the very end, then he wouldn’t be able to send me away, right? I just needed to know that Rhaz was alright. After that I could go home. I didn’t need to speak with him, or even touch him. I just needed to see with my own eyes that he was fine.
I was a librarian back on earth. I’d read plenty of books on nature and camping. I’d be able to handle myself in the woods,and if any animals tried to attack me, I’d just cry out for help. What could possibly go wrong?
Decision made, I went to the shared cave I slept in and packed a bag with food rations, a fur to sleep on, extra clothes, and some dried leaves to write on, just in case.
Once I’d packed my things I carried my bag under a fur blanket. Then I sat down near the entrance and used the blanket to cover my legs.
Zander disappeared into the private cave he’d been using and came out with his pack slung over his shoulder. He said his goodbyes then passed me on his way out.
Now it was my turn to make an exit. I sat with my bag under my blanket for what felt like an eternity until everyone’s attention turned away from the door. Once I felt like I could leave without anyone noticing, I slowly got up and headed down the corridor that led to the clearing. I waited in the dimly lit hallway to see if anyone would follow me out and thankfully no one came. I was in the clear.
I opened the wooden door that Drovo had installed, then silently closed it behind me. Once outside I put on my fur coat and wrapped the blanket I’d been carrying around my shoulders for good measure.
I’d done it. I’d made it outside with my pack, now I just needed to find Zander and follow him to the valley.
Chapter 14
Rhaz
Two weeks earlier
CW: Themes surrounding death and the afterlife, descriptions of drowning
My fingers twitched as I gained consciousness, on the other side.The other side. The afterlife. I’d been here a few times before. That was my real power, not my badger shifter form, but my ability to heal from any wound. The first time I’d died was after a jagwa attacked me. I was only fourteen seasons old and terrified of death. I’m not so afraid anymore.
