The Seekers: Soul Ties. Anton Anderson
stuffed them with herbs that were teasing her nostrils already. Anticipating how delicious it would smell, Iskrila put their future lunch deep inside the stove. Every few minutes she collected the juice produced by sizzling meat and poured it over the cooking dish.
When the aroma started to become impossible to resist, the door swung open. With her heart racing with joy, Iskrila dropped her spoon and rushed to greet the visitor.
«Glad to see you too,» exhaled Sabiri as Iskrila flung at her with an embrace.
For a few more seconds, Iskrila refused to let go of her strong and warm body, listening to Sabiri’s heartbeat.
«It’s wonderful that you’re okay!» Iskrila let Sabiri go and looked at her face.
Sabiri was beaming with happiness back at her. «Sorry I’m a day late. I’ll tell you everything.»
«Before you do this, look!»
Excited to show off the beauty, Iskrila rushed towards the shelf, quickly put the bow-knot on, then turned around towards Sabiri.
«I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it! Isn’t it beautiful?»
That wide smile on Sabiri’s face! That half-opened mouth as she was looking for the words… Iskrila was so thrilled she’d bought it. She would give all the money in the world to bring Sabiri such delight! To make her smile! To make her laugh!
Sabiri finally exhaled. «That’s… That’s gorgeous! Can I touch it?»
After hearing «Of course,» she ran to wash her hands, then carefully approached Iskrila. A gentle touch. A feeling of Sabiri’s finger moving across the fabric, feeling its fine texture. A pair of eyes, staring at the beauty. A face, beaming with joy. It is the best day ever, Iskrila thought.
«Wow.» The word escaped Sabiri’s mouth. «I’ve never seen anything like this! I’ve never felt fabric so thin, so light and smooth. It’s amazing! Where did you find it?»
«Just bought it from one of the traders.» Iskrila also reached to feel the fabric. «Actually, I never cared to learn her name. I’ll fix that.»
«Can’t believe we have a crafter like this! Do keep it safe.»
The next half hour flew by unnoticed. The meat was probably as delicious as it looked and smelled, but none of them had noticed that, being all too busy looking in each other’s eyes and savoring Sabiri’s tale. Impressed with Sabiri’s agility and strength, intrigued and puzzled by the trespasser’s true intent, Iskrila drew herself deep in thoughts and fantasies about yesterday’s events. But Sabiri cut her daydream short.
«By the way,» she said, her claw seeking a piece of meat that was stuck between her teeth, «I didn’t come alone. Two Vapor strategists tagged along. One of them, Amber, had a good idea. We’ve made a lot of weapons and armor, but not for the healers. She thinks we should arm them as well, just in case, and I agree. Some of them might already have some gear, but the rest – »
Iskrila interrupted her. «Lemme guess – you want me to rush more gear for them. Alright, I’ll do it.»
«We won’t send them up front, but some simple armor and swords should be both mobile enough – »
« – and not too hard to gain some proficiency, to train together and become a unit, effective and united,» Iskrila finished Sabiri’s thought.
The enchanting effect of Sabiri’s safe return disappeared at once, replaced by the uncontrollable urge to do whatever she possibly could for her. In an instant, Iskrila recalled what supplies they had left, how many spare hands could do the job, how many pieces of gear she needed to make.
«We’ve got just a week left.» Iskrila suddenly stood up. «I need to start right away. Will you clean up?»
Sabiri smiled. «Of course I will. What a strange question?»
Iskrila was about to open the door, but something stopped her. The bow-knot! She went back and put it on. This time, it wasn’t so bizarre a feeling, but it was still so cool!
«Don’t ruin it in the smithy!» Sabiri said.
«I won’t!»
The door closed, leaving Sabiri alone. From out the window she watched Iskrila hurrying away, ready to carry on her request. Was she worthy of Iskrila’s efforts? Was she willing to do as much for her? Sabiri felt she knew the answer, but could she do the same for the whole village?
Hiding
Left alone, Sabiri wondered what to do next. She had already reported to Star, so now she was free to do whatever she wanted. Whatever she wanted… What a joke! The battle was just a week ahead, so there was no time to relax!
Yet, Sabiri remained motionless. The strategists she brought, Amber and Risha, had reminded her of everything she hated about the plan. They were so certain, so calculating, so hopeful to minimize the casualties. Yet every word they’d said had made her flinch inside. It was so impossible! So many things could go wrong! Why would Drowners play along? Why would wildlife (or some stupid magic) not screw up their plans? How could a generation of igni that had never seen a battle do what was required?
Feeling incredibly shitty, Sabiri threw away the idea of joining the discussions of tactics that was taking place at Haileen’s. She hadn’t taken a bath the previous day, wanting to return to Iskrila as fast as possible, so she decided to have one. And when she would be clean herself, she could clean the house. And after that… After that she would find some excuse for herself. Something that would allow her to dodge her responsibilities.
Burning through time this way, Sabiri hardly noticed how the evening came. With everything done in the house, she visited the market and bought a few fish for dinner. Cursing herself for not being as good at cooking as Iskrila, Sabiri did her best. But it was another who entered, which was obvious because she knocked.
«Smells nice!» Haileen’s nose took in the scent of baked fish. «Don’t worry, I’m not hungry.»
Sabiri let her in, getting ready to be punished for her absence. «How did the talks go?»
Haileen went straight to the cabinet filled with games and Sabiri’s figurines. «Nothing new, but we really polished our existing plans. Risha’s good, but who I’m really impressed with is Amber.»
«Yep, I wish I was nearly as intelligent at her age.» Sabiri was surprised and glad about Haileen’s choice of subject.
Haileen returned to the table with a deck of cards.
«Let’s play while you’re waiting for Iskrila. After all, something should keep your mind off all the burdens and insecurities you’ve got.»
A veil of dread choked Sabiri, just like when she heard of Iskrila’s capture. Unable to move a muscle, she just stood there, watching Haileen shuffling the cards and listening to the sizzling fish.
«Take the food out and sit down.» Haileen stared at her, still shuffling cards. «Star gave you this job for a reason. But whatever her way of dealing with your shit is, mine’s different.»
With numb hands, Sabiri retrieved the steaming bodies, covered them with a warm blanket, then joined Haileen, who had already dealt the cards.
«How did you know I’m waiting for Iskrila?»
«Who else could you wait for? Star’s having dinner at her place, and you didn’t invite me. Do you have friends I don’t know about?»
A few more minutes passed in awkward silence. Well, Sabiri knew the silence was awkward just for her, not for Haileen. She cursed herself a thousandth time already, when the door swung open once again.
«Oh, smells like dinner! Thanks, Sabiri. And, Haileen, hi!»
Sabiri jumped to her feet and rushed to the stove. «What’s the news?» she asked as she served the dish.
Iskrila