Destiny Enslaved (editing)

Part 36

Magda rose suddenly which set everyone on edge before she smiled at Aziza once more saying '' I will see to the Seer's clothing.'' Magda then disappeared behind the taupe which split the tent in two. The weapon racks had been removed and bedding had been laid in that area. The sight of warm furs was very tempting. Magda appeared again giving Aziza a nod to look inside- whatever she saw made her pleased as she nodded then turned around to present me with a broad smile that was almost shocking. It was as if all of what had just happened didn't matter as the ends justified the means- theoretically an impossible opponent to beat...

As I began to rise a sudden jerk of my pants made me pause. Jasmine was looking at me through a haze of exhaustion desperately trying to stay awake. I took her hand gently unfurling it from my clothes as I guided her to lie down saying '' shhhh... its ok little shikufah - Aziza is her to watch over you and I shall join you soon.'' I rose again and Aziza quickly took my place to hold Jasmine as she slept. We exchanged a reassuring look to the taupe which she now sat in front of with jasmine- it said we knew where to find each other just in case.

I turned to walk to Magda and exchanged a pleasant smile with the woman whose eyes were like icicles on the mountain tops- so strange in their colour. She was noqq doubt a beautiful woman.

I bowed my head to enter beneath her arm which held a gap open in the cloth for me. Then she nodded her head before letting the material drop. When I turned around I was lost in thought - Shikufah... blossom. My Maman (mother) used to call me Malak- angel. I half smiled at the memory trying to come through of her voice calling 'malak fly home I'm waiting... malak...' before the fich fich brought the cascading voice of that man 'Malaki! Malaki!'

I shook my mind I didn't want to think of it- any of it. When I was back in the present my mind was suddenly consumed by completely different memories the bedding area was awash with the strange light of flames dancing behind the cloth. And the soft glow which so dangerously mingled with shadow took me to last night - to Bjorn. I stifled a sigh as I was horrified yet again by my behaviour - I was acting like a lovesick noble brat. Until I met that bloody beautiful Viking I wasn't so lost with whims of the heart - in fact, I didn't think my heart could stand whims anymore.... I was supposed to be stone; I had been for years now. So much had happened to me that I had to be stone or else a knife could come at any time to stick in my back. Or worse my naïve heart. I admitted that I was truly naïve in the ways of love-wait. Not that - this wasn't that. It couldn't be. I had once like most people been incapacitated by those feelings but I learnt then that it wasn't meant for me.

The shieldmaidens began talking amongst themselves again in their feigned relaxed way. It, thankfully, brought me back to my purpose. In front of me on the floor was a stack of clothes which I assumed were for me. I took my soiled clothes off quickly and found myself in my underwear examining the clothes with some confusion- firstly it was clothes plural- I had expected a woollen dress and that would be it. There were fresh bindings of course and I had rewrapped my breasts already- but the rest; pants, two tunics and a bodice- not to mention leather boots that looked almost new. I couldn't help questioning it.

But then that too had to be put aside when a high pitched whistle pierced the air and killed the welcoming hum of conversation.

''Halt!'' a female voice I had not yet heard shouted. When no answer came the shadows painted on the taupe erupted into a speed of movement accompanied by little sound. They moved into a waiting position near their comrades on one knee waiting as reinforcements- but not to be seen yet.

'halt three said in unison empowering the word with their number to warn off the intruder. Immediately looked for Jasmine and Aziza's forms which were pressed against the taupe now - so much so that I could see the glint of metal which stabbed the clothe- drawn and ready for battle. Satisfied I could leave Jasmine to Aziza for the moment I looked around for some sort of weapon- since the place had been cleared I thought it useless until I saw a pole sticking out awkwardly from under one of the furs- a spear. Well a broken one with no blade but it still had its barbed hilt and that was plenty I scooped it into my hands and stood prepared to try to think through my strategy in my head when a familiar voice came from the darkness. ''easy! It's me!''

Bjorn.

''nice to have you back'' Floki said as Bjorn's silhouette joined the others in the tent.

''yes, well, some of us have things to do, Floki.'' Was Bjorn's taught response. Floki just chuckled and the rest of us were perfectly still waiting to see if now was when they would finally come to blows. ''how has it been Magda?'' - apparently not- Magda didn't hesitate to report the lack of action we had seen here on our perch away from the rabble.

''no one has approached since you left.''

''good.'' Bjorn breathed the word with relief as if he hadn't been able to breathe easy- it made me curious if the trouble with fell had already come back on Bjorn.

The tension that had so quickly built up was quickly released as Bjorn came further into the tent and the shieldmaidens resumed their watch. Yet Aziza had not yet returned to hiding the knife. It twitched with every footfall that Bjorn made.

My mouth opened to speak a warning when a hushed whisper came from next to Aziza. ''Aziza?- he's a friend, right" jasmine quietly asked with complete innocence.

The knife's point vanished leaving a small hole- one of many and as remarkable as a tree in a forest. Then the kind answer came from Aziza's slightly rasping voice '' yes, yes Jasmine. Don't fret you are safe with Asariel and me- sleep and dream kitten dream for me.'' Her voice was lulling and soft and soon a purr was heard from where they sat.

The tent seemed peaceful for but a moment when suddenly Bjorn raised his voice above the din ''' where is Asaroul?'' he almost demanded as he realised I was not among them. I could tell by his rigid and darting movements that he was now alert and concerned. In a second his shadow now came to face me his hand suddenly protruding from the canvases opening.

He was set to open the taupe and reveal me dumbstruck and half naked. My bare ochre skin no doubt tinged with a blush from just being near this bear of a man.

All I could pray for now was that instincts would not force me to attack.

Suddenly a flash came from the small gap that Bjorn had created. It was Magda ''she's changing '' she said sternly. as I watched her bangled hand wrapped around Bjorn's wrist restraining him like a snake. Bjorn's hand turned white as his grip on the taupe became vicious. He was clearly angry.

''good'' Bjorn spoke curtly to Magda as his fingers snapped open releasing the partition and saving my dignity. Well what little I had left. Like a crack of thunder silencing everyone, Bjorn growled at Magda when she did not immediately let go of his arm. As the sheet still at the moment that followed I could imagine the stoic expressions etched into the shadows. With the second beat of my tempered heart, she released him and moved to return to her seat. Magda sat seemingly at ease once more as Bjorn stood still and a nervous chatter began trying desperately to fill the oppressive silence.

'''Come Bjorn, have some stew.'' Floki offered in a strange lilt.

''Ill pass '' he said through gritted teeth before he let himself calm down and continued in a light-hearted manner '' I've seen you raiding the plunder - some of that food is as strange as a flying pig.''

Floki chuckled at the casual offence and so all had effectively buried the incident in moments.

Bjorn's shadow retreated and went to the fire. My mind suddenly started working again and a unified whisper said quick. I listened and snatched up my remaining clothes and dressed with haste.