We settle around the campfire, and the men treat us to bowls of broth rich in fat and flavor. I’m pleased with how many we’re winning over, and that even Nori, who is dry as toast to talk to, has a man hanging onto her every word.
My eyes keep diverting to Amber, who’s been following Grixis around like a puppy.
I can’t keep thinking about them. I can’t control what Grixis wants, and if I try, I could very well piss him off.
So I focus on what I can control. Proving myself, because Grixis will want a capable woman more than a leech.
Once we’re properly armed, I approach Ramsey because he’s the one that matters most.
“We’re ready to hunt,” I say, lifting my spear. “Would you guide us and provide assistance?”
He chuckles. “Do you really think you’ll be able to take down a beast with that?”
“I took down and endergulf with Grixis’s spear, and while this one isn’t as large, I’ll be able to move better with it.”
He rolls his eyes so hard, I’m surprised the force doesn’t knock him over.
“Are you maybe afraid we’ll show you up?” I ask with an upticked brow.
He smirks, grabs the axe from his belt, throwing it up in the air so that it spins and falls back into his hand. “Let’s go hunting.”
13
ELENA
The four of us walk into the forest, and a chill catches me off guard.
“How does it get so cold so quickly, then go back to being warm again?” Fiona asks.
“The weather is adapting,” Ramsey says, which makes no sense. With how unpleasant he is, I decide not to press him for information.
With how hot headed he is, it’s hard to believe that Grixis would accept him as a second. I hate that I might be driving a wedge between friends, but it’s entirely possible that they need us more than we need them, and Ramsey is just too thick-skulled to realize it.
Having women around means they have something to live for. A family, though I can’t imagine anyone wanting to mate with Ramsey.
But then again, he’s not ugly among his men. Sure, they look strange, but he is attractive. Younger than Grixis, fierce of face, with his skin a bluer hue.
And if I’m not mistaken, Fiona is eyeing him like a piece of meat. Which could be a good thing.
We follow him inland, deeper and deeper, until the canopy turns day to dusk.
“You,” he points at Araelya, “stand here with your bow ready. After Fiona strikes, hit the beast at its body near its shoulder.”
She nods.
He gestures for Fiona to follow him and positions her behind a tree in front of a cave. “Stand here. When the beast exits the cave, stab at its flank.”
She takes her position, raises the pike, and waits.
I follow him to the other side of the cave, where he squats.
“You’re to finish the beast off.”
“If we take down whatever beast exits that cave, will it change your opinion of us?”
“It’s possible that some of you are more worthy than others, but providing care and resources to women such as the one I treated today is beneath me and my tribe.”
“That woman’s name is Asha, and she could one day save your ass?”