Page 30 of Sword of Rage
Ledger nodded and resumed walking.
“I suggest heading to the east,” Ackley said. He traveled at the back, behind Gytha.
Given what Harley had seen of Ackley so far, he had to either be some sort of mercenary or soldier. Regardless of his profession, he’d have to have a good sense of direction since he’d found her in Kreng. Still, Ledger was a soldier born and raised here. He should know the land better than a foreigner.
After a few minutes, Ledger headed eastward. A quarter of a mile later, he announced that he saw the burned village in the distance. Once they reached it, Ackley stepped around Ledger, leading them to one of the larger homes that had part of a single stone wall still standing. He and Gytha cleared a space for the four of them to sleep for the night. While they did that, Ledger gathered wood for a fire.
Unable to feel her fingers or toes, Harley sunk to the ground, trembling. The smell of burnt wood hung in the air along with another smell she couldn’t pinpoint. Death perhaps. Thankfully, the darkness concealed what she suspected to be charred bones scattered about. Tears filled her eyes. Everything was a mess. Her beloved kingdom was in disarray, her family slaughtered, and her life forever changed. She wished Russek hadn’t invaded Melenia, bringing so much death and destruction.
Ledger dropped some wood on the ground, then turned and left to find some more. As Ackley stacked it, Gytha sat next to him.
“Are you going to offer Harley the extra set of dry clothes in your bag?”
“They won’t fit her.” He continued stacking the wood, not once looking her way.
“I only had the one extra tunic, and I already gave it to her. It’s probably wet by now. She’ll need to remove all her wet clothes and put something dry on.”
He continued stacking the wood, not responding.
“Ackley.” Gytha placed her hand on his forearm. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” he snapped.
“Fine. Be that way. But when I see your sister, I’m going to tell her what an arse you’ve been.”
Harley pretended not to be listening in on their conversation. Pulling her legs to her chest, she thought about what Ackley’s sister must be like. She was probably similar to Gytha. A fierce fighter who could take care of herself. Jealousy filled her. She wished she could fight and defend herself.
“What do you want from me?” Ackley asked, putting the last log in place.
“Your clothes.”
He chuckled, the sound low and sultry. “You didn’t get a good look at me back at the river, so you want me to take my clothes off here for you?”
Gytha smacked him. “You’re so full of yourself.” She shook her head. “Do you want to go a round with me right now? I wouldn’t mind walloping your arse.”
“While I’d like to spar with you, I am going to do a perimeter check, then take up watch. I need to make sure no one is following us.”
“Just get the fire started before you leave. I want to get Harley warmed up.”
By the time Ledger returned with another stack of wood, Ackley had the fire going. Without a word to Ledger, Ackley stood and walked away from them, disappearing into the shadows of the night.
“Now that the fire is going, you need to take your clothes off,” Gytha said as she sat next to Harley. “That way they’ll dry faster and you can warm yourself up.” She opened Ackley’s bag, pulling out dry clothes.
“Won’t he mind?” Harley asked.
“No, he won’t.” Gytha looked at Ledger, waiting.
“Oh, I’ll uh…I’ll go over there so I can’t see you,” he stuttered, pointing to a pile of rubble. “If you need me, just shout.”
“He could have just turned his back,” Gytha said, shaking her head in disapproval.
What about Ackley? Was he far enough away so he wouldn’t catch a glimpse of her? Harley removed her boots and socks, setting them by the fire to dry. Then she took off Gytha’s borrowed tunic, handing it to her. After wearing it over her dress, it had become soaking wet. She peeled off her dress and undergarments. She slid on Ackley’s tunic, the warm fabric engulfing her. Then she pulled on his pants. They were huge, but she didn’t care. If anything, the long material covered her bare feet.
Already feeling better, she scooted closer to the fire, holding her slightly purple hands out. The heat stung.
“Are you okay?” Gytha asked, staring into the flames.
“Feeling is already starting to return to my fingers and toes.”
