Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 9 ) The Importance of Outcomes

Liora lit a torch from the beacon at the entrance and made her way back up Harebell Passage. It didn't take her long to get back to her lodge, but when she arrived it was empty, the woman thought it very strange and didn't understand why Jay and Ben weren't back. Walking over to where she slept, she lifted her bedding and noticed that the spears weren't there. 'Surely they can't still be out hunting?' She thought. Then it crossed her mind that something was wrong, or at least her gut feeling told her and was usually right.

Leaving her lodge, she followed some tracks in the snow and looked for broken twigs or any other kind of trace, that would tell where the two men had been. There were a number of boot prints, but they were confusing, as it seemed like there'd been a scuffle. She instinctively knew immediately they were in trouble.

Sensing the way they'd gone, she followed the trail until she came to a thicket and stooped down to see what was going on. Liora saw the gang of men surrounding Ben and Jay, who had been tied to the trunks of trees.

Leaving her hiding place she immediately made her way towards them. “What do you think you're doing to those two men?” She demanded.

The gang turned to see the woman coming at them. One spoke up. “Liora...these men stole your spears, they said you let them borrow them, but we don't believe you'd let anyone touch your weapons.”

“Please...let them go. I did let them borrow the spears.” Demanded Liora walking over to Ben and Jay.

“But they're strangers!” Replied one of the men, scratching his head.

“No! They're friends who've just landed here yesterday...is this any way to welcome my guests? Now untie them straight away.” The gang quickly began to unbind Ben and Jay, who were now stunned at what exactly was going on.

“I'm glad you came along when you did,” uttered Ben. “I thought we were about to get thrown into the chamber you mentioned.”

“I'm so sorry this has happened,” replied Liora. She gazed at the gang and spoke in an abrupt way, still annoyed at what had happened. Once she had calmed down and had time to think, she realised the men were just protecting her and she changed the subject. “There is much to discuss...we will hunt for food, then you men can come back and eat with us tonight, you can all help prepare the meat we catch.”

The gang all nodded as they pulled the men to their feet, Ben and Jay were slightly traumatized by the whole incident.

Liora made the introductions before walking back across the valley. “Jay, Ben...I see you've caught a hare and a fine hare it is too.”

Both men smiled, as Liora continued. “I'd like you to meet my protectors, Jomei – Avner – Daimhin – Darroch – Derland and Dekel. I'm sorry they attacked you, but I can see they were only doing their job?” She looked at them bluntly, waiting for their reaction.

“Yeah! Well...we're sorry for attacking you, but we'd never met you before and as we've already said, we thought you'd stolen Liora's spears.”

“Please don't say another word on the subject,” replied Jay just glad not be thrown in a pit deep underground. “We're just glad to be in safe hands after the fright.”

After spending the rest of the afternoon hunting, preparing and cooking the meat, day drifted into night and the little company ate and talked. Liora explained her plans to the men. Ben and Jay felt happier now they were closer to helping the children.

“What about my parents?” Asked Jay, still no nearer to finding them.

Liora helped herself to food while explaining. “I haven't yet discovered where they are, but I asked Gibor to make some enquiries, I'm sure he'll find out something, you just need to be patient.” It was getting late when finally after putting more logs on the fire, they were all ready for sleep.

Early the next morning when Liora awoke, it was not yet light outside. The fire that had been burning in the night was almost out, but there was still a flicker of heat. She immediately placed some more logs on to the ash and very soon the flames began to ignite once again. She set to milking the goat and once the wooden pale was full, she fed her four legged friend speaking in a soothing manner. The goat started bleating as if it understood, glad to be in the warmth of the lodge.

Taking a sack that was leaning against the wall, she emptied some flour into a wooden container, then added some water. Once mixed, she knead the doe, then took a large flat stone and placed it onto the logs. Once the stone was hot, she cut the doe into small pieces and flattened them with her hands. Then she placed each flat bread onto the stone and waited for them to brown. When the bread was ready, she woke the others and warmed the milk up over the flames.

Just at that moment Gibor appeared at the entrance. “Please come in, have you any news on Evelyne and Nathen?” Liora enquired.

The big man entered, shivering and rubbing his hands together as he approached the fire and warmed them. “Been asking around, it seems that they're staying with that couple, Kalina and Tariq in Grasshopper Valley.” He cupped his hands, placing them at his mouth and breathed in the hot air.

Liora felt elated that the two men would be finding their family again. “That's good news Gibor...you've done a great job as always and I'm sure Ben and Jay are grateful and wanting to see them.” She turned to Derland who was just about to leave the lodge. “Derland, can you take Ben and Jay to see their parents when you're ready?”

Derland was only too willing, he could see the anticipation on Ben and Jay's faces and knew it was important. “I must relieve myself first, then I'll take some of your delicious flat bread and milk and we'll be on our way.”

The expectation of finally seeing his parents was almost too much to bear for Jay. Coming to standing and without even thinking, he approached Liora and gave her a hug. “I can't thank you enough for your help, you've been so kind and...” He looked into Liora's eyes and forgot what he was going to say next. Without even thinking, their lips met and both were suddenly aware of their feelings.

There was sudden silence in the lodge, as the man and woman broke apart. Jay blushed once again and realised all eyes were on them. “I don't know why everyone's eyes are on us, I'm not sorry I kissed Liora, she's a wonderful woman and we are both healers, so we have a connection. Can you all stop staring...it's making me feel uncomfortable.”

“Come on Jay!” Uttered Ben, breaking the awkwardness of the situation. “I think we'll be on our way.”

Gibor was the next to speak. “Yes...well! Um...it seems I've outstayed my welcome...so I'll be off too.” He coughed feeling uncomfortable as he turned to leave.

Liora stood silent, unsure of her sudden feelings and of what to say next. So she wished the two men well. Ben and Jay left, leaving a bewildering gap to fill, it was as if Jay changed in that sudden moment.

Derland led the way in silence, his only wish was for Liora's happiness, he didn't know this man Jay and wondered what his intentions would be, but he also knew it was none of his business and that Liora could look after herself and make her own decisions, so he decided not to say anything on the matter.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 10 ) Meetings | ABCtales