She examined his tooth, nodded in acknowledgment, and then walked away. Benny observed her graceful figure as she left.
Did he just look at her butt?!
Seda walked over to the bush and picked a stick. She put it in her mouth and chewed. It was tough to start, and not anything like a toothbrush and toothpaste, but the natural taste was interesting. She spit it out, her mouth now fresh, and broke off ten more, just in case,and placed them into her threadbare dress pocket. Now she just needed a shower and better clothes, and shoes would also be nice.
How was she going to walk these woods without shoes? She would step on sticks and worse… her feet would get evendirtier.
“Camp’s packed,” Ojore said as he walked up to Benny.
Benny nodded his head and looked at the others. “Time to move.”
Feich and Ferona shifted and took the lead, flying high and keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Cahir was at the front of the group, and Seda kept looking around to see him. Did she do something wrong? He was acting so differently toward her compared to just the day before.
She fought the urge to go to him. Maybe he just needed a moment to breathe and think about everything happening around them.
Roya walked back to Seda. “Did you like the datun?” she asked.
Seda’s distracted thoughts were immediately pulled away from Cahir. “Oh my goodness, yes! Thank you so much. I didn’t get to have things like a toothbrush while in the Camp.” She smiled at the woman and really took her in. She was beautiful. Her features were unique and magical.She could see why Benny would be attracted to her.
Cahir was the first to follow up the path, followed by Benny and then Ojore. Askold came fourth, and then Roya and Seda, the two of them walking side by side. Kalon went last, looking around for movement from behind.
“The Hailecs don’t typically hunt much during the day,” Roya said to her. “We should be okay, but if not, Feich and Ferona are watching from above.”
Seda looked up at Roya’s siblings, “You called them your murder. What’s that about?”
“A murder is a term for a small group of Corvids. Those two are my closest in command. There are more of us, as you know, based on what happened during the Wyrd when you were selected.”
“You guys got the Rozzers and Lord Mordred really good. You should have seen him after he transported us.” Her smile vanished, and she gazed up at the trees, seeing the blood trickle down their trunks, and their tall branches stretching for the clouds.
She changed the subject. “A murder. Interesting word to use.” Seda smiled at her. “Does seem rather fitting.”
Roya chuckled, then looked at Seda, her expression turning serious. “Seda, we’ve been keeping an eye on you since you arrived here. We made a point not to interfere much, but we’ve always had you in our protection.”
Seda thought back to the day that Alexi and Michael hurt her. Distant memories of birds flitted through her mind, but her memory was fuzzy. Then she thought about the black bird leading her into the grove of trees past the Gardvord. “Was that you who led me to that strange wall through the trees back in Joro?”
Roya nodded.
“Why did you show me that? I thought I saw a door, but when I looked away, it disappeared.”
“I can lead you and show you things. But you must figure out the pieces on your own. There are others in the same position as us.”
“Ferona and Feich,” Seda replied.
“…Yes,” Roya answered hesitantly.
As Seda leaped over a puddle of the blood-sap draining slowly from the oak tree, she landed on a sharp stick and felt the pain shoot up through her leg. She was about to fall, but strong, warm arms surrounded her. She looked up, expecting to see Cahir, but she saw Kalon’s handsome face staring down at her with a smile. His seafoam-colored eyes looked into hers, and her heart skipped a beat.
“Careful there,” he said, gently placing her down.
She took a step back, a little embarrassed at her clumsiness. “Thank you,” she said as her cheeks heated.
Roya glanced at both of them, shook her head, and then walked away, muttering, “Damn men.”
His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. “Why don’t you hold onto my arm for balance? These woods are full of sharp sticks like that one. We will find you some shoes soon.”
She accepted his offered arm, and he guided her through the woods, occasionally pointing out things to avoid. His arm was solid and strong. She could feel his muscles tense whenever she shifted, and she kept glancing up at him. He was exceptionally tall, surpassing Cahir’s height, with a strong jawline dusted with facial hair and captivating dark features that contrasted against his olive skin.
He looked down at her and saw her staring at him.
