Page 16 of Sword of Rage
He was finally able to walk in a straight line, the ground only occasionally seemed to sway, everything he’d eaten today had stayed down, and his strength was gradually returning. Instead of saying any of that, he glanced over his shoulder and smirked. “There’s a town not far from here. I plan on stopping just before we reach it.” Close, but not too close.
They’d been traveling on a dirt road lined with knee-high brown weeds on both sides. The ocean remained to Ackley’s right, though not in sight. He could smell it taunting him of what he’d been through and would have to go through again in order to return home. A few trees shone in the distance. “Let’s head over there.” They would provide some cover for the night.
As they wove between the thick weeds, Gytha cursed. “The ones with the orange stuff on them are sharp.” Blood trickled from her palm.
Ackley’s focus wasn’t on the shrubs but on the surrounding area, searching for any signs of life. While he hadn’t spotted any movement, that didn’t mean someone wasn’t hiding nearby.
They reached the handful of trees.
“At least it’s clear of weeds here,” Gytha commented, tossing her bag on the ground and stretching.
Ackley placed his bag beside hers. “Do you want to hunt or set up camp?”
Gytha raised her eyebrows. “You think there’s anything living around here that’s suitable for consumption?”
He’d spotted a few quails. However, he didn’t have his bow with him. “I’m sure there’s a rabbit or squirrel.” While he hadn’t seen any movement that indicated a person was nearby, he’d heard plenty of smaller creatures scuttling about.
“I’ll find something,” Gytha mumbled. She withdrew a dagger. “Can’t have you getting dizzy and lost on me.” The corners of her lips curled into a sly smile, baiting him.
In no mood to spar with Gytha—verbally or physically—he ignored her and started gathering wood to make a fire.
* * *
Ackley awoke with a start. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up. Darkness blanketed the land, and thousands of stars dotted the sky. After making the fire, he must have fallen asleep.
Gytha was sitting against a tree trunk, a knife in hand. “I was just about to wake you for your watch,” she said. “Your food is over there.” She pointed to his right, then sheathed her weapon. After lying on the ground, she turned, setting her head on her bag with her back to him.
Ackley picked up his food and took a bite, finding the rabbit meat cooked but cold. While eating, he scanned the area. Everything remained quiet. No wind blew, making the air oddly still. He guessed it to be just after midnight.
Sitting there, he watched time pass as the stars slowly disappeared and dawn approached. When he stood, the ground beneath him remained solid and unrelenting. Ackley stretched his arms and neck, pleased the world seemed static once again. He focused on the nearest tree trunk, picking two targets. Then he withdrew a dagger, the weight of it in his palm reassuring. Quick as lightning, he raised his arm and threw the weapon. Before it even hit its mark, he withdrew another dagger, launching it at the second target. Both struck true. Relief filled him. His hands were steady, the daggers exactly where he’d intended. He went over and reclaimed his weapons.
“Do you want to spar?” Gytha asked around a yawn.
“We need to get going.” Grabbing his bag, he slung it over his shoulder. “I want to pass by the town before it gets too light out.” As far as sparring, they could practice tonight, once he was certain she wouldn’t knock him on his arse. Gytha never held back. Another meal or two would do him good before he fought the warrior woman.
Once they made their way back to the dirt road, they continued south.
“When do you plan on telling me what we’re doing?” Gytha asked, walking two feet behind him.
He waved her forward. Once they were side by side, he lowered his voice and said, “Owen asked me to find his cousin.”
“Now?” she asked incredulously.
“She could be his only living family member.”
“She?” They walked in silence for a moment. “Are you sure she’s a cousin and not a lover?”
Ackley chuckled. “Yes.” He saw the way Owen looked at Idina. From the moment they’d met, Owen had been smitten with her.
“Why didn’t he send one of his soldiers?”
“There’s a treaty that states Melenia soldiers are not permitted to enter the city of Kreng.”
Gytha’s eyes widened. “I assume we’re going to Kreng?”
“We are.”
Another reason he liked Gytha, she didn’t have to overanalyze everything like his sister did.
