Page 15 of Given to the Fae
I watch as the two humans in the cart share the vial, wondering at the odd relationship they have. They clearly aren’t friends, but they don’t seem to be true enemies either.
I duck away so that they don’t see me and start to panic. If anyone other than me, Locke, or Morgan had seen what the third one did, stealing from Bere and helping the others... They’d be dragging all three of them in front of our leader to face consequences. And I’ve seen the creative discipline he metes out. They’d survive him, but they’d never be the same, and they’d never even think of stealing from a fae ever again.
But I was the one who caught them, so I delve into my pack, into my personal healing stores, and I find the same elixir that she stole, hoping I’m not already too late.
I stride into Bere’s tent as if he’s called for me, even nodding a hello to one of his other men as I pass him. I find the tent silent but for a low snoring coming from the furs at the back.
Thank the gods.
I quickly put my vial with the others in Bere’s stores and grab the empty bowls from the table to replenish with flat breads and honey for our leader’s morning meal.
I find the camp half cleared, and quickly fill the bowls, returning them to the tent. Bere is rising, yawning and scratching his balls when I go in.
‘Where’s the girl?’ he asks.
‘Found her walking about the camp so I put her with the others in the cart before she got any ideas.’
He nods. ‘Good.’ Then he chuckles. ‘I’m surprised she can walk at all after last night.’
I force out a chuckle. ‘Tight cunt, eh?’
‘Aye, I suppose. But you know these slave females. They’re all so well ridden. I’d take a fae female any day in lieu of these human whores.’
As if any free female would ever choose him of her own free will. But I nod.
‘Aye, me as well,’ I commiserate.
‘The camp cleared?’
‘Almost.’
He nods and waves me out. I leave gratefully and spy the girl drinking by the river. What was the name the other one called her? Bryn.
I approach quickly. I told Bere she was in the cart, so that’s where she needs to be.
‘You!’ I say harshly.
She jumps at my voice and rises quickly.
‘Think you’re better than the others because the leader fucked you, eh?’
She looks at the ground in front of her feet in submission. My eyes narrow. Why do I get the feeling her fear is an act? Perhaps it takes an actor to know one.
I take out the key I stowed in my tunic last night and grab her arm before pushing her back toward the river.
‘Ugh! Fine!’ I snarl. ‘Piss in the river then if you must. I don’t want you soiling the cart. I’m the one who has to fucking clean it after you animals.’
She looks confused and a little alarmed, but she wades to the river and pulls up her dress, squatting.
‘Bere checks his vials,’ I say in a very,verylow voice.
Her eyes widen and her mouth opens on a stutter before closing again.
‘Foolish female.’ I roll my eyes. ‘I’ve sorted it this time because he’ll maim all three of you for thieving and we won’t get the money we should for you at market. But don’t do it again.’
She gives me a small nod and I beckon her as I see Warrior, one of Bere’s men, from the corner of my eye. He’s watching me closely, beady shale-colored eyes following me as if he thinks he’s invisible. He’s always lurking around in his blacks, his jeweled knives hanging from his belt for all to see. The cunt looks like he’s pretending to be a Dark Brother, or something.
I pretend I don’t know I’m being observed, grabbing her arm roughly when she’s close enough. She makes a sound of pain that I ignore as I swiftly unlock the cart. I shove her in with much more force than necessary, and she goes head-long into one of the bars with a cry.
