The Four Horsemen 3 - Famine (4 page)

Famine looked up to see Death standing at the edge glaring at him, his hands resting on his hips.
“When I stood where you’re standing now,” Famine called back to him.
Death grunted, but didn’t reply to that statement. He tossed a rope down. “Wrap the end around you and the mortal. When you’re done, I’ll pull you both up.”
Famine did as he was told, mostly because he didn’t want to irritate Death any more and have the Pale Horseman leave him to figure his own way out. He wouldn’t put it past his comrade.
“Done,” he yelled.
“I can see that.” Death gripped the rope and started pulling.
Encircling Ekundayo’s body with his arms, Famine tried to keep his wrist from hitting anything, while holding on to the rope and climbing up the side of the gorge. Thank the Gods, he was reasonably coordinated, or else they would both have ended up very bruised and battered by the time they reached the top.
Death grabbed Ekundayo and dragged the man’s limp body away from the crevice, letting Famine fend for himself. Once Famine had got back on solid ground and unwound the rope from his waist, he went over to where Ekundayo lay. He dropped to his knees, and checked Ekundayo out.
“He’s still breathing, if that’s what you were worried about.”
Famine frowned, and pushed to his feet. “What are you doing here?”
Death shrugged. “Thought I’d check on you. Hadn’t talked to you in a couple of days.”
“What kind of bullshit are you tossing my way? At certain points since you’ve taken over as Death, we’ve gone years without talking to each other. Why all this sudden concern about my whereabouts?” Famine eyed Death.
“Okay. Fine. Your horse came and got me. Apparently, he figured out you would need help getting out of there, and, since he doesn’t have thumbs, he wasn’t going to be any help to you.” Death nudged Ekundayo with his foot. “What are you going to do with this one?”
“I don’t know.” Famine tugged on one of his braids, thinking through the possibilities. “I guess I’ll have to take him to a hospital. His wrist is broken, though I don’t think there are any other internal injuries.”
Death crouched next to Ekundayo, and reached out to turn his unbroken wrist over. “He works at one of the diamond mines. Probably Orapa, since it’s the closest one. They have a hospital for their workers and families.”
Famine nodded, but for some reason he didn’t really want to take Ekundayo to the hospital. He didn’t want the man out of his sight. Shaking his head, he told himself he was stupid. He didn’t know Ekundayo, and there was no reason why he’d feel obligated to look after him.
“Do you want me to take him?” Death met his gaze.
“No. I’ll do it. I got him out, so I should be the one to take him to get help.” Famine turned to see where his horse was.
“Okay.” Death slapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll see you eventually.”
The black stallion trotted up, and Famine mounted him. Death scooped Ekundayo into his arms, and handed him to Famine. He looked down at the Pale Horseman, but Death shook his head.
“Just get going. I have no more interest in him.”
Famine nodded, and bumped his heels into his horse’s side. The stallion began to trot off, but when Famine turned to thank Death the other Horseman was gone.
“How does he do that?” He asked his mount.
The horse merely flicked an ear back at him to acknowledge that he’d said something, but didn’t react otherwise. Famine studied the man in his arms. Ekundayo’s skin wasn’t nearly as dark as Famine’s. It was more of a lighter brown, though Famine couldn’t tell for sure, considering how much dirt coated Ekundayo. There were blisters and cuts covering most of his face and arms. The only saving grace was that he’d been wearing a shirt and pants, so his torso didn’t seem to be harmed by his time out in the sun.
Famine couldn’t guess at how tall Ekundayo was, but he did know the man weighed far less than he should. It was almost like Famine held nothing more than Ekundayo’s clothes in his arms, yet the heat rolling off Ekundayo reminded Famine whom he carried. Famine checked Ekundayo’s wrist, frowning at the swelling.
A soft groan reached his ears, and he glanced up into Ekundayo’s hazel eyes. He watched as Ekundayo blinked, obviously trying to figure out where he was.
“My name is Fami. I found you in the crevice, remember?”
A frown marred Ekundayo’s forehead, and he shook his head.
“Okay. That’s all right. I got you free, but I think your wrist is broken. I’m taking you to the hospital at the Orapa diamond mine.”
He didn’t know which part of his statement had set Ekundayo off, but the man started struggling to get free. He clutched Ekundayo tighter to him, not wanting him to fall and hurt himself more.
“Hold still. You’re going to make me drop you, and you could end up even more injured than before,” Famine warned.
“No hospital. Please, don’t take me there.”
“But you’re injured, and I’m not equipped to take care of you.” Famine narrowed his gaze. “Are you in trouble?”
Ekundayo averted his eyes, even while saying, “No. I just don’t like hospitals.”
So the man wanted to lie to him. Famine could deal with that, though he didn’t know why he was willing to humour Ekundayo at the moment.
“Fine. No hospital. I’ll take you to my place, but if you get worse I’ll drop you at the nearest hospital, no matter what you want.”
Ekundayo seemed to calm down after that, but Famine could feel Ekundayo’s heart racing fast enough to shake his body. Famine wanted to tell Ekundayo it would be all right, yet something kept him from saying it. He couldn’t reassure Ekundayo because he didn’t know if Ekundayo would survive.
The burst of energy needed to struggle must have worn Ekundayo out, because, as they continued along, Ekundayo drifted off. Famine couldn’t tell whether he was sleeping or had passed out.
“I guess we’re going back to the falls,” Famine informed his stallion.
If his horse could have shown irritation it would have, but all it did was whirl around on its hind legs and leap into the air. The boom and flash startled the animals, but when nothing came of it they settled back to their grazing.

When they materialised on the island, Famine glanced around quickly. He should have known no one would be there, since his stallion rarely appeared where others could see him. Famine managed to dismount without dropping Ekundayo.

“Thank you.”
The horse snorted and disappeared.
“Where did your horse go?”
He looked down to see Ekundayo staring in shock at the spot where the black stallion

had been.
“He just ran off. I don’t keep him tied up. My place is small, and there aren’t any
animals around to hurt him.” Famine smirked. He doubted there were any animals alive that
could hurt or kill the Horsemen’s mounts.
The sound of a motor caught his attention and he watched as a small boat traversed the
Zambezi River towards Livingstone Island. He moved back under the trees, not wanting
anyone to spot him. His home was on a smaller island in the river, and no one visited it. Of
course, if someone showed up on the island they wouldn’t notice his hut. He’d built it in the
trees, and disguised it to the point that if he didn’t know where to look he’d never find it. “He didn’t run off. He disappeared,” Ekundayo muttered.
Famine chuckled as he strolled down the barely-there trail towards the interior of the
island. “I think you’re imagining things. Horses don’t just disappear.”
Ekundayo rolled his eyes, and glared at Famine. “I know what I saw. He was there one
minute, and gone the next.”
Even though Ekundayo seemed to want to argue, Famine could tell he was fading fast.
Those small bursts of energy looked like they wore Ekundayo out more each time. Famine
shook his head.
“You need to worry about yourself, not whether or not my horse disappeared.” Ekundayo closed his eyes. Famine hitched him a little higher in his arms and continued
walking. The jungle birds around him stayed silent until they’d passed, then they started singing again. As beautiful as the songs were, the roar of the falls almost drowned them out.
Yet Famine would take the noise from the water over the animal noises any day. Reaching the spot where he would have to climb up to his hut, he set Ekundayo down
on the ground. He grabbed the branch above him and pulled himself up. He climbed until he
arrived at the base of his house. After opening the trap door, he hoisted enough of his upper
body through to grab the rope ladder and toss it out. He also managed to get a length of rope
he remembered dropping by the door right before he left.
Famine climbed back down and fashioned a harness for Ekundayo out of the rope. With
a little bit of wiggling and some effort, Famine got Ekundayo into the apparatus and hooked
it around his shoulders.
“Thank the Gods, you’re skinny as hell, Ekundayo,” Famine muttered. “Or I’d never be
able to do this with you.”
Ekundayo didn’t make a sound as Famine cautiously began to climb up the ladder. He
took his time, and didn’t rush. He knew the ladder could hold way more than what he and
Ekundayo weighed combined. He’d tested it out several times.
They got on to the platform leading to the tree house. Famine unhooked the harness,
and lowered Ekundayo gently to the wooden floor. He took care of everything, and made
sure the trap door was down. After cleaning and tucking a few items away he didn’t want
Ekundayo to see, he picked up Ekundayo again, and carried him to the bed. He laid him down and stripped him, letting the dirty and ragged clothes drop to the
floor. A muffled thud sounded through the room when Ekundayo’s pants hit the wooden
planks. Famine frowned, and snatched them up. Digging through the pockets, he found a
rough rock. He rolled it between his hands. Why would Ekundayo keep a hunk of rock in his
pocket?
As Ekundayo rolled over on to his side, he mumbled something, and his arm flipped
over to reveal the brand on the inside of his wrist. Ah, that was right. Death had said
Ekundayo was probably a miner working in one of the diamond mines. No wonder
Ekundayo didn’t want to go to the hospital. If the doctors or nurses found the rough
diamond on him, he’d be punished as a thief, which usually meant death. At least Famine
assumed it was a diamond, because it would be the only logical explanation as to why
Ekundaoy didn’t want to go to the hospital, and why he seemed to be running away from the mine. The diamond corporations protected their product with iron fists if anyone was found
stealing from them.
Famine placed the diamond in the small bag he wore around his neck. It would be safe
there until he figured out what to do with it. He sighed and ran his hand over his braids.
Hell, if Death were here he’d tell Famine to throw the rock away and take Ekundayo’s
thieving ass to the hospital.
“You’re right. That is what I’d tell you.”
Famine fell back on his ass as Death appeared close to the window. “What the hell? I
wish you’d tell me how you did that.”
Death looked puzzled for a moment. “Do what? Read your mind? Or appear out of
nowhere?”
“Both.” Famine scrubbed his hand over his jaw before straightening. “I need to go and
get some water. Ekundayo needs to eat and drink, plus I need to set his wrist before it’s too
late.”
“Reading your mind isn’t that hard. I’ve come to know how you think, and, to be
honest, you do know I’d tell you to dump his ass at the nearest hospital. We’re not supposed
to get involved in their lives, Famine. We are meant to set destiny in motion, and to balance
the world out. We aren’t meant to save them, or help them if they’re injured.” Famine folded Ekundayo’s clothes, making a mental note to wash them as soon as he
could, though they would probably fall apart at the first touch of water. He covered
Ekundayo with a light blanket, knowing how cool it was up in the canopy with the breeze
and the shade.
“You’re not listening to me. I don’t know why I talk to you. None of you really listen to
me at all.” Death grunted. “Oh, and, as for the appearing out of thin air thing, it’s a gift. As
Death, I can do that.”
“Well, of course I’m not listening to you. You’re not saying anything I want to hear.”
Famine stopped and glanced over at Death. “Can I do that?”
Death shook his head. “No. Only I can.”
“That’s bullshit. Why do you get all kinds of cool powers, while all I can do is make the
ground barren or dry up lakes?”
“How the hell is escorting souls to the gates, and causing the death of hundreds if I so
choose a cool power?” Death folded his arms over his chest and met Famine’s gaze. “Trust
me. I don’t think any of what I do is cool.”
“To be honest, neither do I. I guess I’d rather have my job than yours.” After picking up two plastic jugs, Famine strolled over to the trap door. He tied the
rope to the handles, and draped them over his shoulder. Death watched him. “Where are you going?”
“Down to the river. I’ll need water and Ekundayo needs to cool off.”
“You should have stayed down there and rinsed him off in the river. It would have
been easier,” Death pointed out.
“Only if the river wasn’t used, but tourists go to Livingstone Island every day, and they
pass by this place. I can’t have them asking me about what’s going on.” Famine shrugged. “I
can make myself invisible, but I can’t make Ekundayo disappear.”
“True.” Death inhaled loudly. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on him. Don’t want him to
hurt himself or fall out of this stupid tree house you built.”
Famine didn’t say anything. He opened the trap door and climbed down, not bothering
with the ladder. He’d been climbing the tree for years, and had never fallen yet. He jumped
to the ground from the bottom branch, and returned to the riverbank. He filled the jugs,
slung them over his shoulders again, and went back to the tree.
Keeping a lookout, Death sat on the only chair Famine owned. The Pale Horseman
stared at Ekundayo like he was trying to solve a complicated puzzle. Famine poured some of
the water into a bowl and grabbed a cloth. He tugged a crate over to sit on while he bathed
Ekundayo. He hoped the water would lower his temperature and help clean out the cuts. “You don’t have to stick around,” Famine told Death. “It’ll be fine.”
“Just remember. You can’t tell him anything about yourself or what you do.” Death
stood, and stared out of the window.
Famine nodded. “I know the rules. I won’t spill anything important.”
Death’s eyebrows shot up, but he didn’t say anything. Famine didn’t stop wiping
Ekundayo’s skin, and Ekundayo moaned, turning towards Famine and seeking the coolness
of the water.
“I have to go.”
Before Famine could say goodbye, Death disappeared with a flash of light. Ekundayo
jerked and tried to sit up.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” Famine pressed his hand to Ekundayo’s chest. “Why don’t you lie back
down? You’re not up to sitting yet.”
“It’s not the rainy season yet. There shouldn’t be lightning around,” Ekundayo
mumbled, but he didn’t fight Famine. He dropped back against the pillows and sighed. His
stomach rumbled, making Famine smile.
“After I set your wrist, I’ll make dinner for both of us.”
Ekundayo nodded, glancing around the hut. Famine knew what he saw. Nothing.
There were no rugs on the floor or curtains in the windows. Nothing to make the hut a home.
He had a few pieces of furniture, a chair, a table, and a bed, but that was all. Also, there were
several wooden chests lining the walls. Famine rarely spent any time in the tree house, so he
didn’t see the point of filling the place with things.
“Where are we?”
“My hut.”
“You live in a tree?” Ekundayo asked as he eyed the boards woven among the branches
of the tree.
Famine understood how weird it might be for Ekundayo. “Yes. I don’t like people, so I
picked a spot where no one was likely to find me. It’s not much, but it’s better than sleeping
in the bush.”
Ekundayo hummed softly as Famine stroked the damp cloth over his chest. Famine
kept his eyes on his own hand, not allowing his gaze to wander down towards Ekundayo’s
groin. He wasn’t interested in sex, at least not from a man who was so skinny he would blow
away in a stiff breeze.
It been a while since he’d slept with anyone, and, to be honest, the last time hadn’t been
that satisfying for him. Famine closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind of everything
except helping Ekundayo get well.
“Where are we?”
Famine looked up to see Ekundayo studying him. Ekundayo’s eyes widened when their
gazes met, and Famine realised Ekundayo could finally see his eyes. The fact they were pitch
black without whites or pupils tended to freak people out.
“What’s wrong with your eyes?”
Shaking his head, Famine dragged up a smile. “There’s nothing wrong with my eyes.
Your vision isn’t the best after being out in the sun for so long, and it’s kind of dark in here.” “Maybe.” Ekundayo didn’t sound convinced, but he seemed willing to let the subject
drop for the moment. “Where is this tree located?”
“We’re on a small island in the Zambezi River. It’s close to Livingstone Island, so if
you’re walking around when you get better, and don’t want anyone to see you, stay on the
other side of the island.”
“The Zambezi River? How long was I unconscious?” Ekundayo frowned, obviously
worried.
Famine cringed inside. He hadn’t thought about how long it should have taken them to
reach the falls from Botswana. Of course, having a horse that could defy time and space
made travel a lot easier. How did he explain it to Ekundayo without lying to him? Why did
he care if he lied to Ekundayo? It wasn’t like he knew the man or anything like that. Hell,
Famine didn’t even know what had possessed him to agree to Ekundayo’s wish not to go to
the hospital.
“You were unconscious for quite some time. You look like you haven’t eaten in days,
and I’m sure the stress of having been trapped was more than your body could take.” Famine
hoped he sounded like he knew what he was talking about.
“But I’m all right now,” Ekundayo stated, looking at Famine eagerly.
Famine shrugged. “I guess, except for your wrist. I think that’s broken. Also, you need
to drink water and eat. You’re too skinny, and you won’t regain your strength without food.” “I have to leave.” Ekundayo shot a look under the light blanket, and gasped. “Where
are my clothes?”
The fear in Ekundayo’s voice told Famine he was worried Famine had stolen the
diamond.
“They’re over there. After dark, I plan on going down to the river and washing them.” “Can I see them before you do that?” Ekundayo’s casual act didn’t impress Famine,
who knew what Ekundayo actually wanted to get from his pants.
“No. You need to rest. Don’t worry about them. In fact, I have the feeling they’ll fall
apart the minute the water touches them. The only thing holding them together seems to be
the dirt.” Famine turned his face towards the bowl next to his feet, but kept an eye on
Ekundayo through his eyelashes.
The younger man frowned, his eyes focused intently on his pile of clothing. Famine
thought about letting Ekundayo suffer, but he decided it wasn’t worth it. It wasn’t like
Ekundayo knew where Famine had hidden it.
“I found what you’re so afraid of losing,” he stated calmly.
Jerking like he’d been shocked, Ekundayo cringed. “What do you think I’m afraid of
losing? I don’t know you, and maybe I don’t feel safe without having clothes nearby.” Famine stood, and wandered to the table with a wooden mug on it. He poured some
water into it before bringing it over to Ekundayo. He held it out, and Ekundayo snatched it
away from him, eagerly drinking all the liquid.
“Would you like a little more?”
Ekundayo nodded, and Famine got him some more. He watched Ekundayo drink;
spying the wince he tried to hide as he moved. After taking the mug back, Famine grabbed
the first aid kit he kept in the hut. While he could get injured, he rarely needed medicine or
medical attention, but sometimes he would get scrapes or injuries that needed a little extra
attention. He also kept a kit in case he came across a seriously injured tourist, which
happened from time to time.
Death would be livid if he knew about Famine helping people, but it wasn’t all the time,
and Famine managed to stay hidden. It was just that once in a while he’d get the urge to help
out. Maybe it came from spending so much time alone, or from the fact that when he was
mortal he’d been the one his fellow villagers had come to for help. Maybe he missed being
needed like that.
“Here.” He tossed the cloth to Ekundayo. “Why don’t you work on cleaning the rest of
you off?”
Ekundayo did just that while Famine unpacked the things he would need from the first
aid kit. He carried everything over to the bed, and dropped it beside Ekundayo. The injured man didn’t say anything, just tossed the cloth towards the bowl before holding out his arm. Famine did the best he could, wrapping it tightly with gauze and bandages. He finished it off