Page 22 of Tiger's Trek
Stacia clutched the straps of the bags and peered at him. “I’m not uncomfortable with conversation, if that’s what you’re asking me, Zakhar. I’m used to passing long journeys with my soldiers. We’d end up knowing a great deal about each other by the time we reached our destination. I’m sure it will be the same with the three of us.”
Nodding a bit too hard, Zakhar agreed. “I’m also fine with conversation. Though it’s not easy to take notes while walking. I do have a fairly good memory, so it’s possible I can record things in the evening from our daily conversations, if that’s agreeable to you. It will be largely based on my recollections and not verbatim, as it’s been in the past, but?—”
Holding up a hand, Stacia said, “I’m also used to working with scribes. I trust you. Do what you will with recordkeeping. I just ask that you allow me to read any notes that will be used for group records before sharing them with the others. Anything you want to keep personally is, of course, your own business. Is that agreeable?”
“Yes, Tsarevna.”
“That’s the first order of business. Call me Stacia.”
“Very well. Stacia, it is.”
That’s not whatI’mcalling you, Iriko said, interrupting.
“Why? What are you planning on calling me?”
You’ll know when I use it.
“Fine, don’t tell me. I don’t care. Now, Zakhar, I believe you have the map.”
“I do.” He shifted a leather tube held by a strap from one shoulder and slid out a coated parchment. “What do you think is protecting this?” he asked. “A wax of some type?”
Stacia shrugged. “Who knows? He said it came from Kadam’s time. Maybe it’s magic.”
Zakhar grunted. “Sometimes what we think is magic is simply something we don’t yet understand.”
“That sounds pretty forward-thinking for a man of the cloth.”
His face colored. “Yes. Well. Like I said... I prefer keeping an open mind. When you close it, you close the doors to learning, don’t you?”
“That’s true. I like that.”
They found a large rock and set the map on top. Zakhar quickly found the campsite where they’d been and the creek he’d followed to find it. “He told us to head toward the sunrise and follow the stream until it split, then cross to the lower side, heading south for two days.”
“Very good. I’m appointing you as a trail leader. Iriko will warn us if there are any predators in the area. Now that I have a weapon, I’ll act as company guard, with Iriko as my teeth and claws. Agreed?”
Zakhar nodded, pleased she found his skills useful and would be relying on him. He knew he’d prove next to useless when it came to fighting. “I’m also a decent cook, if we can manage to catch anything.”
“Good man,” Stacia said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Then let’s head out. Let me know when you get tired. We’re going to be missing those boots Nik wears.”
At least the two of you won’t freeze here, Iriko added.
“That’s true enough,” Stacia agreed, then added for Zakhar’s sake, “Iriko said at least we’re warm here.”
“Yes,” Zakhar said.
The little group plunged down the trail, and for as many questions as Zakhar had for Stacia, he felt too shy around her to ask. It was obvious she was very comfortable on the trail, working with men. She also seemed to have no problem with taking charge and organizing the group. That was fine with Zakhar. Danik and Nik had taken charge before, and he was happy to let them.
Nik was a driven sort of leader. He knew where he wanted to go, and he was bound and determined to get there. The problem with him was that, as a follower, you weren’t sure he had your best interests at heart. You got the feeling he’d just as soon sacrifice you for the greater good, meaninghisgood, if it suited his needs.
Danik was much easier to follow. He was happy and cheerful, and he got you where you wanted to go, but he took his time getting there. You might all arrive, but it probably wouldn’t be on time, and he might have forgotten his purpose on the way.
As for the tsarevna, her leadership style was very different. She made a man feel seen and important, a vital member of her crew. Not only that, but she definitely had a sense of purpose and direction. It remained to be seen if that attitude would carry through over the next few days or not, but so far Zakhar was very impressed with her. He hoped it was merely admiration for her skills as a royal he was feeling, and all the other emotions that seemed to be accompanying that esteem would melt away into simple respect.
They made good time, and Stacia even complimented Zakhar on his pace. It was the tsarevna who called a halt and needed a rest at midday. Zakhar handed her some of the wrapped meat and gave a healthy portion to Iriko. They had been hiking near the stream, so they stopped to fill their bottles, and Stacia removed her shoes and dipped her feet in the icy water, hissing as she did.
“What’s wrong?” Zakhar asked.
“I’ll be fine,” she said, rubbing her heels. “It’s the footwear he created for me. I’d have preferred my hiking boots. And this skirt is slowing me down.”
