Amazonia (7 page)

“I must confess, I’ve been
hoping you’d stop by.” Appollonia held up her hand apologetically. “Not
that I wished you ill, but I was curious as to what all the fuss was
about.” She stepped out from behind the table, walked around it, and
perched on its surface.

“As healer, I bet you hear
about everything,” Shale said.

“Oh, yes. I’m probably the
most knowledgeable person in the village, after the queen and the princess
of course. Talking helps to distract people from the pain, you see.”
Appollonia smiled again. “Though I find the more gossip surrounding a
person, the more interesting that person is.”

Shale’s eyebrows rose, she’d
never heard it put quite like that.

Appollonia certainly had a
unique way of looking at things.

“And that’s exactly why I
wanted you to call in. Now, first things first, are you hurt or ill?” She
focussed more on Shale, noticing the fading bruises on her face.

“No, we wanted to give you
something.” Shale looked to Kale, who started to detach the small pouch
from her waist.

“Me? How delightful. I do
love surprises.”

Appollonia loved to talk too,
they’d barely got in a word since they had arrived. Shale found herself
liking the woman though, and was relieved to know that if either of them
did get injured or became sick, Appollonia would treat them like any other
member of the tribe.

Kale handed the pouch to the
healer.

Appollonia opened it, and her
eyes grew wide as she fingered the contents. She raised it to her nose and
sniffed it, then looked at them in astonishment. “Where did you get this?”

“Far south of here. We collected
it for our own healer, but...” Shale broke off. “We thought you may have
use for it.”

“This is a very rare and
precious gift you have given me, I thank you both deeply for it.”
Appollonia searched for an empty jar, and poured the contents of the pouch
into it. She then returned the pouch to Kale, who tied it back in place.
“The other upside to being a healer is that I get to talk to a lot of
people myself. There will soon be good rumours to contradict the bad. This
kindness will not go unnoticed.”

“There’s really no need...”
Shale said.

Appollonia leaned forward.
“You clearly haven’t heard them.”

Kale laughed loudly. “Well in
that case, we’d appreciate any help you can give.”

SHALE COULD ONLY watch as
Kale pulled back the bowstring, aimed, and let the arrow fly. The
arrowhead sank deeply into the stag’s chest, and the creature stumbled,
then crashed to the ground.

Shale emerged from her
position behind a nearby tree, annoyed. “I had that, Kale.”

“You were taking too long.”

“You had the better angle,”
Shale said.

Kale looked smug. “Then you
should’ve got yourself into a better spot.”

Shale shook her head. “I had
no cover, it would’ve fled.”

“Whatever you say.” Kale
crossed to the deer’s side. “He’s big.”

“Mm.” Shale patted her on the
back. “Good shot.” She pulled the arrow out and handed it back to Kale.

Kale wiped the blood off and
sheathed it in her quiver. “I don’t envy you carrying him back to camp.”

“Me?” Shale spluttered.

“I shot him, remember?” Kale
grinned cockily. “You need to pull your weight.”

Shale scoffed, then chuckled.
“All right. Help me get him on my shoulders.” She bent, and with Kale’s
assistance, wrestled the hind into place.

Despite Kale’s words, she
carried the animal for the second half of the journey.

Shale spotted some delicate
yellow flowers, and altered her course. Choosing the best one, she picked
it, cradling it carefully as she walked.

“What’s that for?” Kale
asked, giving her a look that said she already knew the answer.

“It’s for Blake.”

“You can’t be serious, Shale?
Please tell me you’re not serious?”

“I don’t know what your
problem is with her, Kale, Blake’s been extremely patient with you.” Shale
smelled the flower, the sweet perfume reminding her strongly of Blake. “I
swear, you forget she’s the princess.”

“How could I? You’re always
reminding me!”

“I shouldn’t have to remind
you.”

“Then don’t,” Kale said
flatly. “What do you honestly think will come of this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not blind, Shale.
Moonlit walks, flowers, you’re trying to romance her.”

“So? Where’s the harm in
that? I like her.”

Kale stared at her, disbelief
written clearly on her face. “You liked all of the others, too. It still
didn’t work out.”

“Blake’s different.”

“No, she’s not. You just want
her to be. I’m telling you, Shale, this won’t work. Don’t get involved
like that. It’s not worth it.”

Shale frowned. Her mind told
her that Kale was right, romantic relationships never worked for either of
them. And she certainly didn’t want to lose Blake as a friend. She would
have to be content with that. Shale let the flower slip from her fingers.

Kale’s expression softened.
“I know it’s hard, but it’s best this way.”

“You’re right,” Shale said,
though her heart started to ache.

KALE ROLLED HER eyes when she
saw Blake approaching— didn’t the woman have anything better to do?
Shale’s face brightened considerably at Blake’s presence, and Kale groaned
internally, Shale had it bad.

Blake smiled at them. “I see
you had good hunting today.”

“Sure did,” Shale replied.
“For Kale anyway.” She proudly clasped Kale’s shoulder.

Blake admired the stag. “He’s
a beauty.”

“He was.” Kale shifted the
hind’s weight on purpose, so Blake would think she was struggling to carry
it. It worked, Blake instantly stepped aside.

“I won’t keep you,” she said.

Kale wanted to get moving,
for she had the feeling Shale was considering asking Blake to join them
for dinner.

Shale opened her mouth to
speak, but closed it quickly, as if thinking better of her words.

Blake gave Shale a curious
look, when she barely met her eyes.

They strolled through the
village side by side, not giving Blake, or any other Amazon, a second
glance.

“SHALE?” BLAKE CALLED out.
She intended to ask what was going on. Shale had hardly spoken to her in
over a week, and Blake was getting the distinct impression that Shale was
trying to avoid her. Shale’s wide smile upon seeing her made her doubt
that notion though.

“Blake.”

“Is everything all right,
Shale? I haven’t seen much of you lately.” Blake had deliberately waited
to catch Shale when she was on her own.

“Everything’s fine.”

Blake indicated Kale, who was
busy talking to Amber. “I see you’re making friends.”

“Yeah, Amber’s great.”

Blake smiled. “I’m glad
you’re starting to settle.” Glancing around the training ground, she
lowered her voice to ensure no one else heard her next question. “How’s
Melaina been with you? Any more problems?”

“No, but I don’t think she’ll
give up that easily.”

Blake didn’t think so either,
but she kept the comment to herself. “I was wondering if you wanted to
spend the day with me tomorrow?”

Shale’s face became
mischievous. “The whole day? Can the tribe spare you for that long?”

Blake grinned. “The queen will
still be here.”

“I’d really like that.”

“Great.” Blake ran a hand
down Shale’s arm. “‘Cause I’ve missed you recently.”

Shale’s blue eyes sparkled
happily. “I’ve missed you, too.”

SHALE STUDIED BLAKE longingly
as Blake walked away. She probably should have rejected Blake’s offer,
given the fact that Kale had made it perfectly clear that she didn’t like
her. But the thought of spending that much time alone with Blake was too
tempting, and she had answered honestly, despite her better judgement.

Blake’s admission that she’d
missed her had sent Shale’s heart fluttering. She felt exactly the same
way. Blake was never out of her thoughts, and the self-imposed space she’d
given herself hadn’t changed that. She doubted anything would. Shale was
falling hard for Blake, and no amount of willpower could stop her—whether
it was her own, or Kale’s.

THIS TIME WHEN Shale passed a
flower, she scooped it up and presented it to Blake.

Blake smiled brightly. She
held her breath as Shale stepped closer, and gently tucked the bloom
behind her ear.

“There. Beautiful,” Shale
said, though she wasn’t looking at the flower.

Blake slid her hand into
Shale’s larger one, and led her forward. “Come on, it’s not much farther
to the lake.”

“You said that ages ago,” Shale
teased.

Blake chuckled. “I thought
you’d be pleased to get me this far away from the village. You have me all
to yourself out here.”

Shale’s heartbeat picked up.
As if she needed reminding. “I’m not complaining, just stating an
observation.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“No, truly, I’m glad. There
will be no interruptions.”

Blake raised an inquisitive
brow. “And what exactly will we be doing that you don’t want interrupted?”

Shale colored slightly, but
joined in with Blake’s banter. “You tell me, you’re the princess. I’m just
here to serve.”

Blake ran her thumb over the
back of Shale’s hand. “I like the sound of that.”

Shale cleared her throat
self-consciously, her mind so focussed on Blake’s soft stroking that she
nearly walked headlong into a low branch.

“Careful there,” Blake said,
her amusement clear.

Shale’s body was getting
overheated, and it wasn’t from the noon sun. She wondered about diving
into the lake, she really needed to cool off.

Blake pointed. “There it is.”
The lake was calm, and the surrounding trees reflected perfectly off its
still surface.

“Race you.” Shale let go of
Blake’s hand and dashed toward the lake.

“That’s cheating!” Blake
yelled, as she sprinted after her.

They jumped into the lake
fully clothed, but only Blake resurfaced.

“Very funny, Shale.” Blake
looked around to try and spot her. The water was still rippling from their
entrance, and there was no sign of Shale.

After several moments, Blake
said, “Shale, come on now.” She treaded water for another instant, then
swam toward where Shale had dived in. “Shale?” Blake called, her voice
growing frantic. “Shale!”

A hand suddenly tugged on her
ankle, and Blake submerged briefly. She came up spluttering, scowling at
Shale, who was looking far too pleased with herself.

“I’m going to get you for
that.”

“You’ve got to catch me
first.” Shale took off, swimming through the water like a fish.

Blake chased her
relentlessly, their laughter mingling as they splashed each other.

SHALE LAY ON a large slab of
rock, stretched out on her back, the sun drying both her and her clothes.
“Blake?”

“Yes, Shale?”

“I know this sounds awful,
but I’m really glad I met you.”

“Why’s that awful?”

“Because I wouldn’t have met
you if my tribe hadn’t been killed. We’d have never crossed paths, and I’m
pleased that we did.”

“I am, too.” Blake turned
over on her front to let her back dry, smiling when Shale pushed a lock of
blonde hair off her face. “Shale?”

“Hmm?”

“Can we stay here a bit
longer?” Blake looked skyward, trying to see the position of the sun.

“We can stay as long as you
want.” Shale didn’t want this day to end.

Blake squeezed Shale’s hand,
which was entwined with her own.

THEY REACHED THE village
earlier than Blake expected, the sun, though low, was still present.
They'd made good time. They didn't leave the lake till late afternoon, and
only did so because it would be difficult to navigate the terrain in the
dark.

Both women had wanted to stay
the night, but knew it wasn’t possible. If Blake didn’t return, half of
the tribe would be out searching for her, and if Shale didn’t, Kale would
come looking for her also.

They had barely entered the
village when a red-faced woman came storming over, her furious gaze
directed firmly on Shale.

“How dare you say those
things to Payleus!” she said loudly, drawing intrigued glances from nearby
Amazons.

Blake spoke up quickly,
“Mnaesa, what are you talking about?”

“Her.” Mnaesa pointed at
Shale. “She insulted Payleus, she’s over there crying as we speak.” She gestured
toward the cabins.

“Mnaesa, I assure you, Shale
did no such thing. She’s been with me all day.”

“Kale,” Shale muttered. “What
did she say?”

Mnaesa glared at her. “As if
you don’t know.”

“How could she?” Blake raised
her voice a notch. “Shale was with me.”

“Oh.” Mnaesa paused briefly.
“Well Kale called Payleus fat, and said she looked like a horse.”

Blake had to admit that it
was an apt description of Payleus, but it was one thing to think it, and
quite another to say it.

“I’m sorry,” Shale said.

Blake frowned. “Shale, don’t
apologise, you haven’t—”

“What kind of Amazon speaks
like that to her sisters?” Mnaesa shook her head. “Your twin’s not only
unkind, she’s cruel, and I don’t want either of you near me or my cousin.
Do I make myself clear?”

Shale nodded. “Yes.” She
rubbed her temple as Mnaesa turned and stomped away.

“Shale, why didn’t you defend
yourself?”

“What’s the point? Won’t
change anything. I’d better go and speak to Kale, see what all that was
about.”

“I’ll come with you,” Blake
said, falling into step beside a now despondent Shale. She linked her arm
through Shale’s, and was both surprised and upset when Shale pulled away.

“You don’t want to do that,”
Shale said flatly. “I’m the bad guy, remember?”

“FROM THE LOOK on your face,
I’m assuming you’ve already heard.” Kale was droll as Shale and Blake
approached. She didn’t bother acknowledging Blake.

“What did you do?” Shale
asked.

“Why’s it always my fault?”

“You insulted Payleus,” Blake
said. “Why?”

Kale continued to clean her
sword for a long moment, as if Blake had never spoken.

“Kale!” Shale yelled.

Kale threw the sword down,
causing a puff of dust to emerge from the dry soil. “Payleus wanted me to
have sex with her. I refused. She wouldn’t back off, so I told her some of
the reasons why I wasn’t interested.”

Blake believed her. “Payleus
can be quite pushy.”

Kale thrust her hand out
toward Blake in a triumphant gesture, looking to Shale as she did so.
“See?”

“You could’ve tried to break
it to her gently,” Shale said.

“I did, she wasn’t having it.
What did you want me to do? Just stand there and let her have her way with
me?” Kale’s voice grew louder on each word.

“No, but—”

“But nothing, Shale! You were
off with her.” She scowled at Blake before returning her attention to
Shale. “You weren’t even here!”

“You’re right, I wasn’t. But
I’ve still got to take the blame afterward, and I'm so sick of doing that,
Kale!” Shale was shouting now, her frustration visible. She took a deep
breath, and sat down heavily on the nearby boulder. When she spoke again,
it came out as a broken whisper, “Just once I want someone to notice
me...to notice that I’m not you.”

“Shale,” Blake murmured, her
heart breaking for her.

Shale shook her head in
resigned acceptance, then stood and strode away, disappearing amongst the
trees.

Kale made a move to go after
her, but a command stopped her.

“No, Kale. I’m going.” Though
Blake’s voice was low, it was firm, and she didn’t wait for a response.

“SHALE?” BLAKE CALLED after
her. “Shale, please stop.”

Shale halted, though she
didn’t turn around. Blake caught up to her, and took hold of Shale’s arm
from behind, silently requesting for Shale to face her.

Shale slowly turned, but kept
her head hung low. “Nobody sees me,” she said in a pained whisper.

Blake gently cupped Shale’s
cheek, and waited till pale blue eyes raised and met her own. “I see you,
Shale. Not Kale, not just twins, you. Only you.”

Shale had longed to hear
those words since childhood. Blake noticed her and her alone. For who she
was. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she was too overwhelmed to stop
them. Blake brushed them away with soft fingers, her gaze so tender Shale
barely managed to hold herself together.

“You’re loyal and caring, and
incredibly giving. You are truly beautiful, Shale,” Blake said.

Shale raised her hand, and
began to stroke Blake’s fair hair, the intimate gesture coming naturally
to her.

“I see you,” Blake repeated,
leaning into Shale’s touch.

Shale smiled, and closed the
remaining distance between them. Never had she wanted to kiss someone so
much.

“I should hope so.” Kale’s
voice ruined the moment completely. “She's standing right in front of
you.”

Blake drew back. She frowned
at Kale. “Must you be such an ass?”

“You seem to bring it out in
me.”

“No, Kale, I think you choose
to bring it out when I’m around.”

“How insightful of you.”

“All right, enough,” Shale
said. “If you can’t get along, just stay out of each other’s way.”

“That’s kind of hard when she’s
around you all the time, Shale.”

“She’s my friend,” Shale
said. “I like spending time with her.”

“Friend? Is that so? Then
what did I just interrupt?”

“What is your problem, Kale?”
Blake demanded, her annoyance showing.

“You!” Kale said loudly.

“I can see that, but why?
What is it about me that you dislike so much?”

“Shale’s right, it’s best we
don’t have anything to do with each other.” Kale spun on her heel and
walked off. “Don’t bring her to our camp, Shale,” she called back.

Shale sighed. Maybe it was
for the best that she hadn’t kissed Blake. If Kale and Blake couldn’t get
on, things would be doomed from the start.

SHALE DUCKED AS Kale swung a
powerful left hook toward her face. She came up fast, unleashing an
uppercut that knocked Kale onto her back.

Kale went with the momentum,
rolled, and jumped back to her feet in one fast, fluid motion. Kale
touched her lip, grinning at Shale when her fingers came away red. “Got me
good that time.”

Shale smiled back, tapping a
small cut above her brow. “I owed you one.”

“That you did.” Kale turned
as clapping erupted behind her, and she shook her head humorously when she
saw it was Amber. Amber wasn’t the only Amazon present. Despite their
unpopularity, their daily sparring sessions attracted quite a crowd. They
fought with no restraint, and their fighting prowess guaranteed a good
show.

“Don’t these people have
anywhere better to be?” Kale said, but only loud enough for Shale to hear.

“Apparently not.”

Shale circled Kale, then moved
in, each trading savage blows and kicks at a frightening speed.

Shale’s sharp ears heard
Amber laughing, and it was followed by Blake’s voice—she sounded close.
Shale’s mind wandered to Blake, and her heart started to beat that much
faster. No woman had ever had this effect on her before. She was
completely captivated by Blake.

Shale didn’t see Kale’s kick
until it was too late. She cursed herself for losing focus, knowing that
at this pace Kale had no chance of stopping it.

Kale’s foot connected solidly
onto Shale’s left knee, forcing it back unnaturally. Shale dropped with a
grunt of pain.

“Shale!” Blake cried out.

Kale moved to Shale’s side,
kneeling beside her worriedly. “Are you all right?”

Shale was clutching her leg,
though she kept her hands well clear of her knee, which was already
starting to swell.

Blake came dashing over, with
Amber close in tow. Blake knelt on Shale’s other side, opposite Kale, and
Amber squatted next to her.

“I owe you big time for
this,” Shale said between clenched teeth.