Barbarian's Beloved by Ruby Dixon

Author:Ruby Dixon [Dixon, Ruby]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Ruby Dixon
Published: 2018-02-06T16:00:00+00:00

14

ZOLAYA

It is a good afternoon, but a long one.

I set my traps and then find a patch of roots that are used to make up kah, the dry trail rations that my Air-ee enjoys so much. I dig up several, filling my pouch but leaving enough so that this spot will repopulate with more plants. As I get to my feet, I see fresh prints in the snow on a nearby hillock—dvisti. Young, if the depth of the hoofprints are any indication. Possibly lame, because one of the prints is elongated, as if dragged slightly. Interesting. Either it is separated from the herd or following behind. Either way, if I can find it, it will make good eating. I glance up at the sky. Getting late, but there is still time to hunt some fresh meat for my mate. I can show her how tasty fresh, bloody meat is. It will be good for her, help her get stronger. Encouraged by the thought, I shoulder my pack full of roots and follow the trail.

Some time later, I find my prey—it is a young dvisti, favoring one foot as it picks its way through the snow. It has been left behind by the herd, and already snow-cats stalk the shadows, waiting for it to lower its guard. The wind shifts and it stumbles away, forcing me to chase after it. I could leave it to the snow-cats, but if it is a choice between feeding them or my Air-ee, I will choose her. So I continue on, even though it means I am a little farther from the Elders’ Cave.

It leads me on a chase despite its injury, and by the time I bring it down, it is dusk. I slit the throat to let the blood out and remove some of the organs that will go bad if I carry it back. Then, once the kill is dressed, I sling it over my shoulder and begin the long walk back to the Elders’ Cave. I will be tired and covered in blood once I return, but I am looking forward to seeing my sweet Air-ee’s face and kissing her. She hinted at taking things further tonight, and I am eager to return to her side. It is difficult to be patient when all I want to do is hold her close and taste her everywhere.

Perhaps tonight, we will fulfill resonance.

When I return, it is dark. The fires for cooking meat just outside of the Elders’ Cave draw me to them, and I deposit my kill in front of Aehako and Haeden.

“Good hunt,” Haeden says, voice gruff. He immediately grabs the dvisti, pulls out his knife and begins to skin it.

“I found a great deal of roots, too. We should make trail rations, replenish our supplies.” I empty my bag in front of the hunters. “I can help. I just need to—”

Aehako clears his throat.

I glance up.

My friend tilts his head at me, indicating the Elders’ Cave. “A word, friend.”

An ominous feeling settles in my gut.

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