Page 20 of Unbound By Shadows
“How long were you with him?”
“Weeks. He dug the bullet from my shoulder while I was in catform, but it took a long time for the gash on my head to heal. The way I transitioned from cat to Malkina meant my ribs never set right, which is why I must wear this,” the queen said, tapping her metal breastplate.
“I’m sorry.”
“No need, I rather like the look of it,” Thema replied. “When I was fully healed, I asked him how I could repay him. He asked for only one thing. A job. Many were critical of my decision to bring him here, but I have never regretted it.”
The queen’s face was distant for several moments until Selene said, “What an ordeal to have lived through. You’re very brave.”
Queen Thema swept a hand over her hair, preening at the praise. Then she turned serious and grasped Selene’s hands.
“Listen to me. It is very important that you go on this journey.”
Selene nodded, touched by Thema’s concern. The queen’s hands felt warm and unnaturally strong.
“Samael can be ruthless, but only to those who deserve it. His manners aren’t pristine, and he finds many of our customs baffling. But he lives by a code of honor that does not include hurting unwilling females.”
Her golden eyes locked with Selene’s. “There is no one I would trust with you more.”
Selene’s memory of the conversation was interrupted when a knock sounded at her door. Seconds later, Arkaya swept into the room, carrying a large basket.
“No, no, Hollen. Necessities only,” Arkaya said as Hollen tried to stuff two throw pillows in the backpack. “Pack breeches, underclothes, and tunics. Did you add the wool cloak? I have her bedding here.”
Arkaya settled next to Selene on the bed as Hollen disappeared into the closet. “The queen has told me of the journey you are about to take. As her enchantress, I’ve prepared a few things.”
Arkaya picked up a silver metal flask from the basket. “Water bottle. Fill this up as you need when encountering a lake or river.”
“After boiling it,” Selene affirmed. At least she knew one of the basics of camping.
“No need, the bottle’s enchanted to purify,” Arkaya said. Next, she pulled out a fabric tube about the size of a soda can. “Your bedding, which will stay as warm or cool as you need it to be. Here’s a compass, a kerchief charmed to keep away insects, gloves, solar-powered lantern, and a few other necessities. Now, let’s show you your tent.”
Arkaya produced a white vinyl tube that looked like a roll of paper towels tied with a red ribbon. She placed the bundle on the floor in the center of the room and then said to Selene, “Untie the ribbon quickly.”
When Selene tugged the ribbon, the bundle began to expand. It made a whooshing sound as it spread, and continued to groan and stretch until it reached nearly past Selene’s head, forming a small dome. When it finally stopped expanding, the whole structure seemed to exhale as it settled into the shape of an igloo.
Selene gaped. Her “tent” was a far cry from the miserable dirt bunk she had imagined, and more like a luxury yurt suitable for glamping. Though her insides buzzed with anxiety, she smiled. When she followed Arkaya through the stooped entryway, Selene was surprised to find her feet sinking into a padded floor. She could comfortably stand, and the tent seemed so wide it could fit a king-sized bed.
“Roof vent here,” Arkaya pointed up to the ceiling, then the walls. “Pockets are set into the walls for you both to store away items each night.”
Arkaya’s use of the word “both” jolted Selene. “Samael and I will sleep in here… together?”
“No, he prefers a hammock,” Arkaya said.
Some of the tension in Selene’s shoulders relaxed, though a traitorous whisper of disappointment blew across her thoughts.
Arkaya motioned for Selene to follow her out of the tent. “When you’re ready to pack up, come out and pull the ribbon.” Arkayademonstrated, and the tent began to shrink until it was back to its original shape. “Then tie it up, and you’re ready to go.”
“Wow, I was so worried about roughing it. I didn’t expect anything like this.”
“You think us archaic? Not as cultivated as your people?” Arkaya asked dryly.
“Oh no! Where I’m from, castles and queens are from another period in history. A less advanced time, so sometimes I assume… ”
Arkaya’s eyes twinkled. “Well, we do take some influence from human inventions. When Aurelia’s glorious sisters make their patrols into your world, they occasionally bring back things or ideas that spark their interest.”
“Like the zipper! And toothbrush! Oh, and plumbing!” Hollen said, popping her head from the closet. “It took the Goblyns years to figure out Queen Cebna’s drawings of indoor plumbing, but now I can’t imagine life without it.”
Arkaya nodded. “When a queen brings something back from Gaia, they first hold a council to make sure the item is suitable for Aurelia. If approved, it’s sent to the Goblyns for replication. With a few improvements.”
