Page 20 of Stolen Fates
“So much anger against the gods.” She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “What have they ever done to you?”
The image of his mother’s lifeless body, pale and lying in a pool of her own blood, flashed before his eyes. His stomach soured. “I’m from Megara. What do you think?”
Her expression softened, and he couldn’t bear to look at it. “The massacre wasn’t their fault.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” The echoes of past horrors reverberated in his mind, but he kept his focus on the skewered rabbit, pulling it from the fire before unsheathing a dagger.
“Leukos—”
He didn’t know how she knew his name, but in that moment, he didn’t care. “Either hold your tongue or leave.”
The warning in his voice snapped between them like a whip. When she didn’t answer, he turned his attention back to his meal, slicing off some juicy meat with his blade.
They travelled north together.
Or rather, Leukos rode north, and the Amazon followed at a distance. She was never visible to the eye, but hovered on the periphery of his awareness, the rhythmic sound of her horse’s smooth gait echoing in the distance at times.
They journeyed along rocky mountain paths and lush green valleys, and still, there was no sign of the Blood Wolf. Soon, Leukos began to question whether the Amazon was mistaken or had simply lied to him. He was following yet another forest trail among a carpet of brambles and ferns when he decided to confront her and halted, waiting for her horse to catch up.
When he peered over his shoulder, a wolf stood between two birch trees in the distance.
Leukos froze. One grey wolf in the wild meant nothing… And besides, it soon disappeared in the foliage.
But then a moment later, another appeared.
Closer, this time.
“Scouts,” the Amazon called out, appearing at a trot. “They’ll report back to the Blood Wolf. He must not be far.”
As much as Leukos wanted to confront the tracker and be rid of him once and for all, he also knew it wasn’t wise. Besides his pack of wolves, the Blood Wolf was often accompanied by soldiers. Facing them alone could prove challenging and he didn’t trust the Amazon to help, not to mention he’d promised Nisos to avoid any altercation.
Leukos wheeled his mare around, scouring the dense foliage for any hint of movement. “I’m heading back to the river. Once I cross it, he’ll lose my trail.”
It was a risky move, but he had little choice.
“No.” The Amazon jerked her head towards the trail winding through the trees. “If we keep heading through the forest, we’ll come across the river again. I know the area. It’s quicker this way.”
She spurred her horse into a gallop before Leukos could object, leaving him cursing under his breath. After pondering his two options, he decided to follow her. At least he’d soon be able to discern whether she was reliable or not.
They rode through the towering beech and oak trees, sunlight casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. They didn’t stop until they reached a ridge that overlooked the meandering river below. A well-worn path stretched out ahead. Beyond, a dozen wagons pulled by aurochs were gathered in a circle to camp for the night. At its centre, dozens of people converged.
Leukos’ heart stopped. Despite the distance, the haunting cries of women and children and the distinct sound of whips cracking made it clear what they’d stumbled upon—a slavers’ caravan.
Leukos lurched his horse back, and Phoebe silently pointed to a cluster of fallen trees blanketed in moss and ferns, providing a natural cover for them. When they reached it, she dismounted, her expression dire.
“Slavers,” she confirmed.
From atop his mare, Leukos searched for another path. “We can’t stay, not with the Blood Wolf at our back.”
The Amazon took a seat, leaning against a trunk. “The horses need rest. Let’s stop for a moment and then follow the ridge. Hopefully, it’ll skirt around the slavers.”
She had a point. Begrudgingly, Leukos dismounted and reached for his waterskin. He found it empty.
“Here, you can have some of mine.” Phoebe threw her leather pouch at him, and he swiftly caught it. “We’ll fill them again once we reach the river.”
Leukos nodded, too thirsty to protest. He took a sip and settled down beside her.
They sat in silence, Phoebe cleaning her fingernails with the tip of her dagger while Leukos kept watch on the surrounding foliage for any sign of danger.
