Chosen (19 page)
When they reached the open,
grass plains, the warriors took off at a gallop, racing their
horses into the distance, until the only thing the group could see
was a dust plume on the horizon rising lazily into the air. Tallon
laughed loudly when the warriors returned, whooping and cheering as
they raced into camp. Covered head to toe in dust they looked like
ghosts from a children’s bedtime story.
The journey continued.
Sometimes they would come across rivers where the men caught fish
for the evening meal, or they rode up hills, where, from the top,
Max could see the endless expanse of forests and plains, rivers and
mountains; no cities marred this serene world. Once, they stumbled
upon a little meadow filled with wildflowers of every hue
imaginable. When Max said how sad it would be to trample the
flowers, Tallon made the entire fifty horses walk around the edge.
While they were doing this he jumped off his horse, picked a bunch
of flowers and offered them to Max; as she bent down to take them
from his hand he quickly placed a small, blue flower in her hair.
The warriors cheered as they sauntered past astride their horses.
Max blushed, Tallon just grinned. When the time came to leave this
beautiful world she would be very sad.
The days were long and balmy
and the nights crisp and cool. Sometimes Tallon would unroll his
bed beside her and she would tell him of her world; they talked
long into the night and Max loved this time spent alone with him.
He once told her about the bear-amulet he wore around his neck, he
said it was the only thing he had left from before his time in Clan
Predator, he believed it belonged to his mother and it was a
treasured possession.
Some nights he would stay with
his warriors and then she missed him; these were the nights she
thought about Haven. She had tried to forget about him and the
fight they’d had, so happy was she, she didn’t want to spoil the
mood. Tallon hadn’t tried to kiss her again, although sometimes she
wished he would. She’d decided he must have forgotten all about the
night of the party, so she kept her peace.
She felt Gilster disapproved of
the situation, even though he had not done or said anything to make
her think this. Maybe it was just her guilty conscience. He himself
had become quite close to one of the camp woman and was smiling
again. Max felt happy he had found a companion.
Eventually, it seemed to Max it
was taking an awfully long time to catch up with Roki and the main
group. Considering they were such a small party, surely they should
be travelling faster. She asked Tallon about the delay.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘but I
have taken the long way round, I wanted you to see some of my world
before we leave and if I am honest, I wanted to spend some time
with you, alone.’
Max smiled, happy at what he
said. ‘Your world is very beautiful,’ she said, ‘and I’m glad we
got to spend time together, I have enjoyed it. But soon we will
catch up with the main group and I must speak to Haven about what
happened the night of the celebration. It’s not something I’m
looking forward to, but it must be done.’
‘I understand,’ he said. ‘I, on
the other hand, have only one memory of that night and it is
something I will remember forever.’ He brushed his fingers across
her lips and then turned and left.
That evening, after they had
set up camp and started cooking the evening meal, Tallon made an
announcement. He jumped up onto a large rock, so all could see him.
‘Some time tomorrow,’ he shouted to the crowd, ‘we will catch up
with my father and the main group, so tonight we will have a
celebration.’ A cheer rose from those assembled before him. Max was
not so sure how she felt about it, knowing she would have to face
Haven again. Would things still be strained between them?
Gilster wandered over, ‘we will
be seeing Haven again soon,’ he said. ‘How do you feel about
that?’
‘It will be good to get back to
normal again,’ she said, ‘I’ve missed him.’
‘And I’m sure he’s missed you
too,’ said Gilster smiling. ‘Now, let’s have some fun tonight,’ he
said as he walked off towards a young woman. Putting his arm
affectionately around her shoulders, they headed off together
towards the main group and Max lost sight of them.
It seemed to Max these people
loved to drink, before long most of them were well on the way to
having very sore heads in the morning.
‘What the hell,’ she thought,
‘if you can’t beat them, join them and at least Haven isn’t here to
tell me off again.’ She was soon very drunk herself, dancing around
the camp fire with the few women that had remained.
After a few hours she began to
feel tired and thought it best if she went and made up her bed
rather than fall asleep where she was. She grabbed her bed-roll and
drunkenly stumbled her way to the back of the camp where it was
quieter. Finding the perfect spot she unrolled her mattress and
threw it on the ground; just as she was plumping up her pillow she
heard a voice behind her.
‘Hello, little lady, want some
company?’
Max spun round so quickly she
lost her balance. The man who had spoke, caught her arm and
steadied her before she fell. She recognised him from around the
camp, he was one of Tallon’s warriors, but his name escaped
her.
‘No thank you,’ she said,
wishing he would go away so she could sleep.
‘Are you sure? I’m very good
company, or so I’ve been told.’ He grinned wickedly.
‘I think it’s time you went
back to the celebrations,’ growled a voice from behind them. ‘The
lady is not interested.’ Tallon emerged from the darkness, staring
intently at the man. ‘Leave, NOW,’ he barked.
‘Yes Tallon,’ said the man,
recognising him instantly, ‘I ‘mmmm sorry.’
With that he turned and ran
off, the darkness soon swallowing him. Tallon laughed turning
towards Max who was swaying slightly on her feet.
‘He didn’t mean any harm little
one, he was drunk.’ He walked towards Max, ‘I think you should
sleep now, I will stay so you can sleep undisturbed.’ He helped her
into the bedroll and then lay down close beside her. Max knew she
should say something, ask him to leave, but she was tired, and
truth be told she didn’t really want him to leave.
‘Good night,’ she said
snuggling under the covers.
During the night she began to
shiver; feeling the heat from the body lying next to her she rolled
over and cuddled closer for warmth. Tallon who had not slept at
all, wrapped his arms tightly around Max’s body, he kissed her
forehead, her eyes, her nose, her lips; her body responded to
him.
Max heard the sounds of birds
chirping in the tree above, feeling very warm and comfortable she
didn’t want to open her eyes. Tallon felt her stir, ‘good morning
little one,’ he said, ‘how did you sleep?’ Max felt the rumble of
his voice deep in his chest. Her eyes snapped open. ‘Tallon? I
thought you were Haven,’ she said, her voice laced with panic.
‘Haven! Why would you think
that when you know he is far away.’ His arms were still tightly
wrapped around her.
‘I don’t know why I thought
that. Please, I think you should let me go,’ begged Max trying to
get up. He released her immediately and stood.
‘I’m sorry I was not Haven,’ he
said, the hurt in his voice unmistakeable.
‘Pack up, we leave as soon as
you are ready,’ he snapped at her as he walked away.
‘Oh, god, what have I done, I
didn’t mean to hurt him,’ sobbed Max to herself, ‘this just gets
worse and worse.’
She thought Tallon might have
found another horse for her to ride but no, there were none to
spare and so she found herself sitting behind his ramrod-straight
back again, but this time there was no happy banter, no laughing,
just silence.
The day wore on and the sun was
warm on Max’s back, making her feel drowsy. To keep herself awake,
she started to look around. ‘This truly is a beautiful place,’ she
thought. Either side of the wide track they were travelling on were
tall trees and bushes covered with colourful flowers. Small animals
played in the underbrush and occasionally Max thought she saw a
large stag flitting through the forest. Through the trees on her
left and down a small embankment, she could hear a river running,
splashing over rocks as it went. She wished she could go for a
swim, the day was becoming hot.
Over Tallon’s shoulder, off in
the distance, she could see a huge mountain range, the caps white
with snow, ‘I wonder if that’s where we’re heading,’ she thought.
Wanting to recapture the friendship they had shared before, she
decided to ask Tallon a question, not knowing if he would answer
but hoping he would.
‘Does your world have name?’
she asked.
‘Naturine,’ came the blunt
reply.
‘That’s a beautiful name,’ she
continued, ‘does it mean anything?’
‘No, it is just a name,’ came
blunt reply number two.
‘Well,’ thought Max, ‘at least
he’s still talking to me, that’s something I suppose.’
They continued on in silence,
the day was becoming hotter and Max started to feel a little light
headed. ‘I should have had something to eat before we left,’ she
thought. She felt her eyes beginning to close and her body slowly
slid sideways. Falling off the horse she hit the ground with a
sickening thud. Tallon immediately jumped off and fell to his knees
beside her.
‘Little one, are you alright?
Can you hear me?’ he said as he cradled her head gently in his big
hands.
Max heard his voice calling
her, but it seemed distant and muffled. ‘He still cares for me,’
she thought happily and then she passed out. Gilster came rushing
over to help but Tallon would allow no one near her.
‘Stand back,’ he roared. ‘Bring
me some water,’ he yelled at a woman standing nearby, watching. She
returned with a jug and he gently wiped Max’s face with a damp
cloth. ‘We must catch up to the others, quickly,’ he said rising
with Max in his arms. He passed her over to Gilster who was still
standing close by, worry clouding his face. Tallon jumped back onto
his horse. ‘Pass her up to me, I will not let her fall again.’
Gilster passed Max up to Tallon who sat her in front of him, her
head resting on his arm. He took off at great speed. ‘Keep going,’
he yelled back to the group, ‘you know the way, I will see you when
you arrive.’ He disappeared in a cloud of dust.
Tallon galloped into the large
camp, roaring as he came to a sudden stop.
‘Help me, somebody, the Chosen
is hurt.’
A crowd soon gathered around
horse and rider. Roki came out of his tent to see who was making
all the noise; he saw Tallon still sitting on his horse cradling
Max in his arms, sensing the seriousness of the situation he yelled
to Tallon.
‘Over here, bring her to my
tent.’
Tallon swung his leg over the
neck of the horse and still carrying Max slide down to the ground.
Racing over to Roki’s tent he ducked his head and entered. Tallon
was in a panic, fear on his face.
Roki spoke calmly, ‘what
happened?’ he asked, gently moving Max’s hair from her face.
‘I don’t know,’ panted Tallon,
his words tripping over one another, ‘she just fell off the horse,
she hasn’t spoken or opened her eyes since. Please, she must not
die.’
‘She is not going to die,’ said
Roki calmly, ‘bring her over here and put her on my bed.’ Tallon
walked over and gently lowered Max.
‘She must not die,’ he
repeated, his voice breaking as he looked down at her.
‘Go and find one of the healers
and bring her back, she will know what to do.’ Tallon was reluctant
to leave but Roki put a gentle hand on his back and steered him
towards the door. ‘Go, I will look after her she will be safe until
you return.’ With one last look at Max, Tallon left the tent.
Haven had been out hunting with
some of the men of the camp and was unaware of the drama that was
unfolding. On his return he saw Tallon’s huge black stallion being
wiped down by one of the camp women. He grabbed a young boy as he
ran past.
‘Have the others arrived
already?’ he asked.
‘No,’ said the boy, ‘only
Tallon and the lady.’
‘What lady?’ asked Haven
already knowing what the answer would be.
‘The outsider lady, she is
hurt.’
‘Where is she?’ cried Haven,
shaking the boy so hard his teeth rattled, ‘where is she?’ The boy
started to cry, frightened of the sudden change in Haven. Haven
knelt down, ‘I’m sorry,’ he said gently, ‘I didn’t mean to scare
you, where is the lady, I’m worried about her.’
The boy wiped his tears with
the back of one grubby hand, ‘she is in Roki’s tent,’ he said.
Haven sprinted away and reached
the tent in no time; throwing aside the flap, he rushed in, blind
to Roki standing at one side, seeing only Max lying on the bed
looking very vulnerable. He dropped to his knees beside her, taking
her hand in his he gently kissed her forehead.
Roki spoke, startling Haven, ‘I
have sent for a healer,’ he said, ‘she will be able to help.’
Just then a bent old woman
entered the tent, closely followed by Tallon who, on seeing Haven
touching Max, bristled visibly. Gilster slipped in quietly. He had
left the camp to follow Tallon and Max.
‘Move back young man,’ said the
old woman to Haven, ‘let me have a look at her.’ Haven stood, but
didn’t move very far. The old woman placed her gnarled, hand on
Max’s brow and lifted her eyelids to examine her eyes, ‘hmmm,’ she
said cryptically.
‘What, what is it?’ said Tallon
from the door way. Haven glared at him. After a bit more poking and
prodding the old woman had finally reached her diagnosis.
‘She has a large lump on the
back of her head, it is probably nothing but we will not know for
sure until she wakes, it would have been caused by falling from the
horse. But the reason she fell off the horse in the first place was
because she became light headed and she became light headed because
she is pregnant,’ said the old woman, triumphantly, ‘ it is due
very soon.’ The four men stood in stunned silence, it was the last
thing any of them had expected to hear.
grass plains, the warriors took off at a gallop, racing their
horses into the distance, until the only thing the group could see
was a dust plume on the horizon rising lazily into the air. Tallon
laughed loudly when the warriors returned, whooping and cheering as
they raced into camp. Covered head to toe in dust they looked like
ghosts from a children’s bedtime story.
The journey continued.
Sometimes they would come across rivers where the men caught fish
for the evening meal, or they rode up hills, where, from the top,
Max could see the endless expanse of forests and plains, rivers and
mountains; no cities marred this serene world. Once, they stumbled
upon a little meadow filled with wildflowers of every hue
imaginable. When Max said how sad it would be to trample the
flowers, Tallon made the entire fifty horses walk around the edge.
While they were doing this he jumped off his horse, picked a bunch
of flowers and offered them to Max; as she bent down to take them
from his hand he quickly placed a small, blue flower in her hair.
The warriors cheered as they sauntered past astride their horses.
Max blushed, Tallon just grinned. When the time came to leave this
beautiful world she would be very sad.
The days were long and balmy
and the nights crisp and cool. Sometimes Tallon would unroll his
bed beside her and she would tell him of her world; they talked
long into the night and Max loved this time spent alone with him.
He once told her about the bear-amulet he wore around his neck, he
said it was the only thing he had left from before his time in Clan
Predator, he believed it belonged to his mother and it was a
treasured possession.
Some nights he would stay with
his warriors and then she missed him; these were the nights she
thought about Haven. She had tried to forget about him and the
fight they’d had, so happy was she, she didn’t want to spoil the
mood. Tallon hadn’t tried to kiss her again, although sometimes she
wished he would. She’d decided he must have forgotten all about the
night of the party, so she kept her peace.
She felt Gilster disapproved of
the situation, even though he had not done or said anything to make
her think this. Maybe it was just her guilty conscience. He himself
had become quite close to one of the camp woman and was smiling
again. Max felt happy he had found a companion.
Eventually, it seemed to Max it
was taking an awfully long time to catch up with Roki and the main
group. Considering they were such a small party, surely they should
be travelling faster. She asked Tallon about the delay.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, ‘but I
have taken the long way round, I wanted you to see some of my world
before we leave and if I am honest, I wanted to spend some time
with you, alone.’
Max smiled, happy at what he
said. ‘Your world is very beautiful,’ she said, ‘and I’m glad we
got to spend time together, I have enjoyed it. But soon we will
catch up with the main group and I must speak to Haven about what
happened the night of the celebration. It’s not something I’m
looking forward to, but it must be done.’
‘I understand,’ he said. ‘I, on
the other hand, have only one memory of that night and it is
something I will remember forever.’ He brushed his fingers across
her lips and then turned and left.
That evening, after they had
set up camp and started cooking the evening meal, Tallon made an
announcement. He jumped up onto a large rock, so all could see him.
‘Some time tomorrow,’ he shouted to the crowd, ‘we will catch up
with my father and the main group, so tonight we will have a
celebration.’ A cheer rose from those assembled before him. Max was
not so sure how she felt about it, knowing she would have to face
Haven again. Would things still be strained between them?
Gilster wandered over, ‘we will
be seeing Haven again soon,’ he said. ‘How do you feel about
that?’
‘It will be good to get back to
normal again,’ she said, ‘I’ve missed him.’
‘And I’m sure he’s missed you
too,’ said Gilster smiling. ‘Now, let’s have some fun tonight,’ he
said as he walked off towards a young woman. Putting his arm
affectionately around her shoulders, they headed off together
towards the main group and Max lost sight of them.
It seemed to Max these people
loved to drink, before long most of them were well on the way to
having very sore heads in the morning.
‘What the hell,’ she thought,
‘if you can’t beat them, join them and at least Haven isn’t here to
tell me off again.’ She was soon very drunk herself, dancing around
the camp fire with the few women that had remained.
After a few hours she began to
feel tired and thought it best if she went and made up her bed
rather than fall asleep where she was. She grabbed her bed-roll and
drunkenly stumbled her way to the back of the camp where it was
quieter. Finding the perfect spot she unrolled her mattress and
threw it on the ground; just as she was plumping up her pillow she
heard a voice behind her.
‘Hello, little lady, want some
company?’
Max spun round so quickly she
lost her balance. The man who had spoke, caught her arm and
steadied her before she fell. She recognised him from around the
camp, he was one of Tallon’s warriors, but his name escaped
her.
‘No thank you,’ she said,
wishing he would go away so she could sleep.
‘Are you sure? I’m very good
company, or so I’ve been told.’ He grinned wickedly.
‘I think it’s time you went
back to the celebrations,’ growled a voice from behind them. ‘The
lady is not interested.’ Tallon emerged from the darkness, staring
intently at the man. ‘Leave, NOW,’ he barked.
‘Yes Tallon,’ said the man,
recognising him instantly, ‘I ‘mmmm sorry.’
With that he turned and ran
off, the darkness soon swallowing him. Tallon laughed turning
towards Max who was swaying slightly on her feet.
‘He didn’t mean any harm little
one, he was drunk.’ He walked towards Max, ‘I think you should
sleep now, I will stay so you can sleep undisturbed.’ He helped her
into the bedroll and then lay down close beside her. Max knew she
should say something, ask him to leave, but she was tired, and
truth be told she didn’t really want him to leave.
‘Good night,’ she said
snuggling under the covers.
During the night she began to
shiver; feeling the heat from the body lying next to her she rolled
over and cuddled closer for warmth. Tallon who had not slept at
all, wrapped his arms tightly around Max’s body, he kissed her
forehead, her eyes, her nose, her lips; her body responded to
him.
Max heard the sounds of birds
chirping in the tree above, feeling very warm and comfortable she
didn’t want to open her eyes. Tallon felt her stir, ‘good morning
little one,’ he said, ‘how did you sleep?’ Max felt the rumble of
his voice deep in his chest. Her eyes snapped open. ‘Tallon? I
thought you were Haven,’ she said, her voice laced with panic.
‘Haven! Why would you think
that when you know he is far away.’ His arms were still tightly
wrapped around her.
‘I don’t know why I thought
that. Please, I think you should let me go,’ begged Max trying to
get up. He released her immediately and stood.
‘I’m sorry I was not Haven,’ he
said, the hurt in his voice unmistakeable.
‘Pack up, we leave as soon as
you are ready,’ he snapped at her as he walked away.
‘Oh, god, what have I done, I
didn’t mean to hurt him,’ sobbed Max to herself, ‘this just gets
worse and worse.’
She thought Tallon might have
found another horse for her to ride but no, there were none to
spare and so she found herself sitting behind his ramrod-straight
back again, but this time there was no happy banter, no laughing,
just silence.
The day wore on and the sun was
warm on Max’s back, making her feel drowsy. To keep herself awake,
she started to look around. ‘This truly is a beautiful place,’ she
thought. Either side of the wide track they were travelling on were
tall trees and bushes covered with colourful flowers. Small animals
played in the underbrush and occasionally Max thought she saw a
large stag flitting through the forest. Through the trees on her
left and down a small embankment, she could hear a river running,
splashing over rocks as it went. She wished she could go for a
swim, the day was becoming hot.
Over Tallon’s shoulder, off in
the distance, she could see a huge mountain range, the caps white
with snow, ‘I wonder if that’s where we’re heading,’ she thought.
Wanting to recapture the friendship they had shared before, she
decided to ask Tallon a question, not knowing if he would answer
but hoping he would.
‘Does your world have name?’
she asked.
‘Naturine,’ came the blunt
reply.
‘That’s a beautiful name,’ she
continued, ‘does it mean anything?’
‘No, it is just a name,’ came
blunt reply number two.
‘Well,’ thought Max, ‘at least
he’s still talking to me, that’s something I suppose.’
They continued on in silence,
the day was becoming hotter and Max started to feel a little light
headed. ‘I should have had something to eat before we left,’ she
thought. She felt her eyes beginning to close and her body slowly
slid sideways. Falling off the horse she hit the ground with a
sickening thud. Tallon immediately jumped off and fell to his knees
beside her.
‘Little one, are you alright?
Can you hear me?’ he said as he cradled her head gently in his big
hands.
Max heard his voice calling
her, but it seemed distant and muffled. ‘He still cares for me,’
she thought happily and then she passed out. Gilster came rushing
over to help but Tallon would allow no one near her.
‘Stand back,’ he roared. ‘Bring
me some water,’ he yelled at a woman standing nearby, watching. She
returned with a jug and he gently wiped Max’s face with a damp
cloth. ‘We must catch up to the others, quickly,’ he said rising
with Max in his arms. He passed her over to Gilster who was still
standing close by, worry clouding his face. Tallon jumped back onto
his horse. ‘Pass her up to me, I will not let her fall again.’
Gilster passed Max up to Tallon who sat her in front of him, her
head resting on his arm. He took off at great speed. ‘Keep going,’
he yelled back to the group, ‘you know the way, I will see you when
you arrive.’ He disappeared in a cloud of dust.
Tallon galloped into the large
camp, roaring as he came to a sudden stop.
‘Help me, somebody, the Chosen
is hurt.’
A crowd soon gathered around
horse and rider. Roki came out of his tent to see who was making
all the noise; he saw Tallon still sitting on his horse cradling
Max in his arms, sensing the seriousness of the situation he yelled
to Tallon.
‘Over here, bring her to my
tent.’
Tallon swung his leg over the
neck of the horse and still carrying Max slide down to the ground.
Racing over to Roki’s tent he ducked his head and entered. Tallon
was in a panic, fear on his face.
Roki spoke calmly, ‘what
happened?’ he asked, gently moving Max’s hair from her face.
‘I don’t know,’ panted Tallon,
his words tripping over one another, ‘she just fell off the horse,
she hasn’t spoken or opened her eyes since. Please, she must not
die.’
‘She is not going to die,’ said
Roki calmly, ‘bring her over here and put her on my bed.’ Tallon
walked over and gently lowered Max.
‘She must not die,’ he
repeated, his voice breaking as he looked down at her.
‘Go and find one of the healers
and bring her back, she will know what to do.’ Tallon was reluctant
to leave but Roki put a gentle hand on his back and steered him
towards the door. ‘Go, I will look after her she will be safe until
you return.’ With one last look at Max, Tallon left the tent.
Haven had been out hunting with
some of the men of the camp and was unaware of the drama that was
unfolding. On his return he saw Tallon’s huge black stallion being
wiped down by one of the camp women. He grabbed a young boy as he
ran past.
‘Have the others arrived
already?’ he asked.
‘No,’ said the boy, ‘only
Tallon and the lady.’
‘What lady?’ asked Haven
already knowing what the answer would be.
‘The outsider lady, she is
hurt.’
‘Where is she?’ cried Haven,
shaking the boy so hard his teeth rattled, ‘where is she?’ The boy
started to cry, frightened of the sudden change in Haven. Haven
knelt down, ‘I’m sorry,’ he said gently, ‘I didn’t mean to scare
you, where is the lady, I’m worried about her.’
The boy wiped his tears with
the back of one grubby hand, ‘she is in Roki’s tent,’ he said.
Haven sprinted away and reached
the tent in no time; throwing aside the flap, he rushed in, blind
to Roki standing at one side, seeing only Max lying on the bed
looking very vulnerable. He dropped to his knees beside her, taking
her hand in his he gently kissed her forehead.
Roki spoke, startling Haven, ‘I
have sent for a healer,’ he said, ‘she will be able to help.’
Just then a bent old woman
entered the tent, closely followed by Tallon who, on seeing Haven
touching Max, bristled visibly. Gilster slipped in quietly. He had
left the camp to follow Tallon and Max.
‘Move back young man,’ said the
old woman to Haven, ‘let me have a look at her.’ Haven stood, but
didn’t move very far. The old woman placed her gnarled, hand on
Max’s brow and lifted her eyelids to examine her eyes, ‘hmmm,’ she
said cryptically.
‘What, what is it?’ said Tallon
from the door way. Haven glared at him. After a bit more poking and
prodding the old woman had finally reached her diagnosis.
‘She has a large lump on the
back of her head, it is probably nothing but we will not know for
sure until she wakes, it would have been caused by falling from the
horse. But the reason she fell off the horse in the first place was
because she became light headed and she became light headed because
she is pregnant,’ said the old woman, triumphantly, ‘ it is due
very soon.’ The four men stood in stunned silence, it was the last
thing any of them had expected to hear.
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