"She has me all confused."
Felek could not help but chuckle as he sat beside Issa on the wagon. His friend gave him a brief glare.
"I'm serious," Issa said. "I have no idea what the hell she's doing. Hell, I don't know if SHE knows what she's doing. She certainly can't know what it's doing to ME."
"Oh, she knows," Felek said. He leaned back on the wooden bench, enjoying the change from riding horseback as he watched Ruta ride Horse. It was not an imaginative name for his mount, true, but it amused him as much as it seemed to annoy Anelie. So, he was amused twice with one name. Three times when he remembered she had given her stallion the female name Toria. That was being efficient.
"Then why is she doing it?" Issa looked back through the wagon. Felek let his own head roll that way. He could see Ofure sitting next to Jaromira in the wagon behind them, the Kikker girl seemingly quiet. From his angle he briefly saw Adanya come into view, riding double with Bogdi. Their heads were together. Felek looked away, blushing a bit at the intimacy of the moment. Ruta was looking back at him, smiling. He'd have to suggest her riding double with him. There had been little time for such things between them.
Issa hit his arm. Felek chuckled.
"Sorry."
"So?"
"So she's a woman." He shrugged. "I don't know Kikker women, but it seems to me she's doing the same thing you try to do to Polish girls, except she actually means it."
"I do mean it." There was hurt in his voice. He paused as the wagon went over some obstacle, the two trying to mitigate the damage to their tender buttock's. "I mean, I mostly do." He turned to Felek. "You mean they think I don't?"
"I think most of them think you're just teasing. You do come on a bit thick. Almost like you're mocking Polish guys."
"I am, a little," he admitted. "It is all rather silly. I still think your women are beautiful, though." He paused, considering. "It's the hair, I think. I... I just really like hair. If Zuza was my age, I'd be in heaven!"
"Because Bogdi would have sent you there."
"True. Don't tell him I said that."
"I won't."
Anelie's mount drifted back down the line towards them. Felek leaned forward, giving her his full attention.
"You notice?" she asked, motioning towards the trees around them. He gave a nod.
"Awhile ago."
"I don't like it."
He glanced again, seeing the brief flash of sunlight hitting metal. The leather clad bandits watching them had been replaced by copper armored soldiers, pikes the length of a human held in their clawed hand. This... was bad. Not for them, perhaps. It meant, after all, the overgrown wagon trail was taking them closer to whatever Watu civilization looked like. No, it was his homeland for which this could mean trouble. Were the bandits NOT the rogue criminals they had thought? Were they, in fact, acting on the orders of one or more of the Watu city-states? If the raids around the border were actually acts of war... Felek frowned. His Grace had to be told. Even if it meant detaching two of their soldiers to go back with the news. The information could not wait on the uncertainty of this mission's success.
"I haven't seen armor like that before," Anelie said. Felek nodded. From the glimpses he had managed, the Watu seemed to wear coats of copper squares, fastened together with what looked like leather ties. Very different from the steel plate or chain the Polish wore.
"I have, a couple times. A merchant who came to Court had guards wearing the stuff." He laughed. "His Grace for some reason found it funny that he was named 'Wicket'. He wouldn't tell me why, though. He just muttered something about 'fucking Ewoks' and moved on."
"Shanna can be the same way," Anelie snorted. "She'll find some word hilarious, and not say why. Some sort of in-joke only those two can understand, I guess."
They shared a glance, a twinkle in the redhead's eyes. Felek had never really noticed her eyes before. They were... pretty. She looked away, gaze again taking in their surroundings.
"Another break in half an hour. Switching back to your mount?"
"I think so. This was a nice change, but I'll be back up front with you."
"Good. Your girlfriend is boring."
****
Anelie sat against a rock, watching the sunset as camp was set up around her. They had the system down by now, even with the changes this cross-country detour had thrown at them. Fortifications were minimal, unless the terrain was really open. This evening found them on another hilltop, so they contented themselves with a stake filled ditch across the most accessible ways up. With regular army tracking them, they were either in no danger, or about to be overwhelmed.
Not, she thought, that her men couldn't handle a good number of Watu. Sure, these were better armed, but she had never seen a Watu with a bow, and the little fur balls would be no match physically. The tallest would probably barely come up to her breasts, unless they grew them taller here. Which, she had to admit, was possible. It would not do to be too cocky, this far from home.
High pitched giggling drew her gaze towards the wagons. Bogdi held Zuza upside down by her ankles, her hands barely touching the long grass. Her skirt had fallen down, white panties exposed. How often had her brother done that to Anelie? Never in front of other kids, though. Bogdi would never have embarrassed Anelie like that. Zuza probably didn't even think to be embarrassed in front of all these soldiers. Actually, would Anelie have been embarrassed? She didn't know. She may not have been, back then. Certainly she hadn't seen herself as much different than her brother and his friends, apart from the size thing. Given how proud of her body she was now, the embarrassment would probably come from having let Bogdi catch her unaware.
She bit her lip, taking another look at the pair. Maybe he'd try it, if she just casually walked by...
"Aunt Anelie?"
James stood beside her, holding a book. She smiled, patting the grass beside her.
"Sit. What's up?" She resisted asking how he was, if he felt OK. That had to get annoying for the poor boy. He plopped down beside her.
"I have something for you." Opening the book, whose title she couldn't read but which seemed to have a few pictures, he pulled out a folded sheet of paper. Laying the book on the grass beside him, he unfolded it. She leaned over.
"What is it?"
"A map." His voice was proud. She gave an appreciative sound. Yes. She could see it was a map. Alternating between shaking and smooth lines, probably depending on if the marks were made when the wagon was moving or still, he had traced out their path. Each camp was marked with a little drawing of a campfire and tent. He had obviously misjudged how long they would be traveling, as the distance between camps became shorter as their eastward path took them towards the edge of the page. Overcompensating, the northward trek had only an inch or so between camps.
"I like it." Anelie placed a finger on the page, tracing the route. "You did this yourself?"
"Zuza drew the trees, and that bird, but I told her where to put them."
"Very nice. Felek is doing his own map, but if we lose that we can use this."
His cheeks colored a bit as he folded it back up, placing it in the book. She now saw it was a children's biography of King James, purporting to tell of his childhood. She wondered if there were any actual facts besides his name in it.
"How long until we get there?" There was a tiredness in his voice. Reaching for him, she mussed his brown hair.
"We don't know. We should, if we are where we think we are, hit another east-west road sometimes tomorrow. Then we'll find out what our new direction is."
"I'm tired."
"I know." She lowered her arm, hugging him against her. She was glad she had removed her breastplate. His slender body felt good against her, his arms wrapping around her body as his head fell onto her breasts."
"You're soft," he said. "Softer than Mommy."
"Thank you." She mussed his hair again. He was not as softly cuddly as Shanna's fully human twins, but naturally she loved him more. Anelie kissed the top of his head.
"Lady."
Anelie looked up. Klocia stood before them, body casting a long shadow in the setting sun.
"Yes?"
"The mounts are all tended to, Lady. Kazik's is favoring one leg a bit, but it looks like it was just a stone and we got that out. The foot seems OK."
"Keep an eye on it," she said, nodding in approval. "We are going to lose horses, but let's put that off as long as possible." She adjusted her position a bit, James moving against her to keep in full contact. "Anything else?"
"No, Lady. Camp is all set up. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Good. We'll be there in a bit."
Klocia nodded. Anelie looked down at James. His eyes were closed, breathing subtly different.
"I think he fell asleep on me."
"You must make a good pillow."
It took a moment for Anelie to recognize the other way that statement could be taken. By the time she looked up, Klocia had all her attention focused back on the grazing horses, her face a dark shade of red. She felt her own cheeks heat.
"As long as he doesn't try to fluff me," she found herself saying. Her heart was beating faster. Klocia's eyes widened, Anelie swearing she saw the girl bite her lower lip. Damn, she was cute. No. Not cute.
Sexy.
James moved, relaxing his hold on her. Anelie gently moved his arms, freeing herself. She raised up, slowly, laying his head on the grass. Klocia squatted down beside her.
"He's OK?" she asked, concern fully replacing any other emotions. "This is normal?"
"I don't think napping is possible in the wagons on this road." Anelie stood. "Come on. We'll see if his mother wants to wake him or let him sleep."
****
For the first time in four days, they were no longer surrounded by forest.
The wagon trail ran before them through a wide meadow, not much different from where they had discovered it. If Felek had been a suspicious man, he would almost suspect some sort of design. However, given there was not much which could be bordering a forest beside some sort of grassland (or a barrier such as a river or cliff), he didn't give it much though.
The army before them commanded more of his attention.
They stood along a straight east-west embankment, most likely the road he had guessed they were near. Like the others they had seen, for the past day, they wore copper armor, sunlight on the tiles creating a mosaic of patterns. Rounded helmets, also copper, lay snug against their heads. Very impressive. Their exact numbers were hard to guess, with at least fifty in the first rank visible. More could be behind them, or on the other side of the road out of view. He saw no mounted units. They could outrun them... if not for the wagons. Throwing another wheel traveling across unknown ground would be a disaster.
"Lewy!" Anelie raised her arm, halting them. "Bring out the banner!"
This was Felek's gamble, discussed with Anelie and Adanya long into the night. Lewy rode forward, a long pike in his right hand. He raised it, the red and white banner of Poland flying from its tip as he took his place on the right of Felek. If this failed, if using the King's banner hindered rather than helped...
Felek took a deep breath. It would work. Why had His Grace sent him, if not for this moment? Nodding to Anelie, he kicked his mount forward.
****
Anelie wished to Jesus and Mary above Shanna was with her.
As they approached the road, she revised her opinion of the forces facing her. There were sling bearers, over two dozen, arrayed behind the pikemen. Swordsmen held either end of the line. The Watu looked steady. Experienced. Expecting them to break due to a charge would be foolish.
One of their number appeared, walking along the road's edge before the soldiers. His fur was a bit grayer, armor more ornate. Unlike the others he wore no helmet, furry head bare. A sword hung from a thick belt.
"Klocia!" The girl rode up at her command. Anelie smiled at her, unexpectedly feeling more at ease. "Ready to do some translating?"
"Yes, Lady!"
"If it's needed," Felek said. He raised his arm, halting the column. "Bogdi, you're in command if we have problems. Feel free to come rescue us."
Anelie's attempt to stifle a laugh came out as a snort. Felek grinned at her.
"Let's go."
The four riders moved forward. The apparent Watu commander stopped in the middle of the formation, watching. The roadway was high enough Anelie was able to look him in the eye. She saw intelligence there. Cunning.
Danger.
Felek stopped them four yards from the road. Straightening in his saddle, he nodded his head.
"Greetings."
"Salam," Klocia translated, bowing her own head. Her voice was calm, firm. Everything Anelie was not. Her hands tightened on her reins.
The Watu slowly moved his gaze over them, eyes settling on Felek.
"Salam, Air Gair."
Klocia stiffened slightly, as if insulted. That couldn't be good. She translated.
"Greetings, Foreigner."
Felek chuckled. At least he was having fun. He suddenly switched to Kikker.
"Do you, by any chance, speak Kikker? Or Polish? If we can find a common language, much... misunderstanding can be avoided."
The officer considered, one hand resting on the pommel of his sword. Anelie kept her eyes on the sling men. She'd lead Klocia and Lewy against those on the right, hoping to sow confusion while Bogdi got the others moving. Avoid the pikemen. Buy time...
"I speak Kikker," the Watu said. His voice had a high pitched growly quality to it. "They are our neighbors, a proud people." His brow furrowed. "Who are you?"
"I am Felek, son of Marik, brother to Queen Ewa, servant of His Grace King James the First of Poland." Felek bowed his head again.
"And why," the Watu continued, "do you travel into our lands with armed troops?"
"We ride in escort of two wagons of civilians, traveling through unfamiliar lands. Already one of our party was accosted by bandits, before your well-trained troops drove them off."
Anelie had to admire the half true bullshit Felek was saying. He had paid attention at court, it seemed. She would never have thought to appear ignorant of the connection between the bandits and soldiers.
"What is your destination, Felek, son of Marik?"
Anelie shot a glance at Klocia. The girl, eyes coming back from the first wagon, lowered her right hand to stroke her mount's neck. Not looking at Felek, Anelie transferred her reins to her right hand.
"East," Felek said. "Once we are on your fine road. I can not be more specific than that, apart from saying we shall be gone from your area of responsibility very soon."
The officer stared at them, silently. Anelie started to fidget more. She'd leave the rearguard with the wagons. The rest would attack, scatter the furry critters. Have the girls strike the left side, for that looked weaker, the rest going right, acting as a screen until the wagons managed to get on the road. She wished she had some lances. Shanna hated the things, but a good Hussar lance attack on these creatures...
"May I ask your name and rank?" Felek suddenly asked. "I know it is a minor thing, but the introductions have been a bit one sided." Anelie's mind seemed to give a sigh of relief at the sound of his voice. Had she really been considering throwing her few troops against this army? Madness. Stupid madness. They'd be slaughtered, and then what? What good would that do James and Zuza? She sighed, a slight gust of wind rushing past her cheek.
"Gurtaj." The officer seemed to get taller. "Kaptan Sahib Gurtaj."
"We are well met, Kaptan Sahib Gurtaj." Felek slowly dismounted. Handing his reins to Lewy, he walked forward. "Kaptan, I will be honest. We travel in search of healing for some of our own, be it herbal, magical, or spiritual. Time is fleeing before us. Will you let us pass?"
"No."
****
Felek stood in the grass, blood turning to ice. He had failed. He looked back at Anelie. The warrior woman had her hand on the pommel of her sword. The other was making signs, signaling her men. They could NOT be delayed. Could not spend days in some garrison while runners contacted those who might have some sense. A gust of wind blew past. Then another.
"Why?" he asked. He knew of no other question he could pose. He took another step forward, a cloud passing before the sun. "Why will you not let us go on our way?"
Any answer was lost as the sky flashed. Instinctively, Felek counted as he looked up. The blue sky was now black, dark billowing clouds moving southward over them. Five breaths later thunder rolled through the air. Another flash. He saw it, striking the ground not a mile away to the north. The soldiers on the road were fidgeting nervously, glancing around. Another flash, followed instantly by the thunderclap from the last bolt. Some of the Watu began to break ranks, walking, not yet running, towards the west. Felek ran back to his mount, the poor beast not liking any of this.
Another bolt, hitting a tree not three hundred yards on the other side of the road. It's clap was like no other Felek had ever heard. He tried to yell, unsure if his voice could be heard by Anelie, let alone those behind them.
"To the road!" He pointed east, beyond the scattering Watu. Even as his arm made the gesture, a bolt came down almost on top of them, the air itself seeming to flash.
The Watu army broke. Pikemen threw their weapons away, as if they themselves were drawing the heavenly fire. As one they fled westward, their leader among them. Felek kicked Horse in the side, startling him into motion. There was no shelter to be had. They simply had to outrun it. As Horse started to climb the embankment, another flash and clap of thunder. This one, a bit westward. Away from him and his friends. Reaching the top, he found the road paved with stone, flat, level. He turned to see the wagons almost there, Issa and Jaromira not having to urge their teams to move quickly. Anelie came up beside him, Klocia at her side.
"What the HELL!" She yelled. The wind was now blowing due east, as if trying to push them down the road.
"Don't know, don't care! See to the wagons!" The first was moving up the embankment, Issa doing his best to keep it from tipping over as the horses sprinted up the steep slope. Another bolt, westward. More distant. As Issa and Ruta's wagon made it to the top, the wind started to lessen. The sky lightened. By the time Bogdi escorted Adanya and Jaromira's wagon onto the road, the sun was again visible through vanishing clouds.
Unable to help himself, Felek felt himself slipping off of his mount. As his feet hit the stones, he dropped to his knees. He felt others do the same around him. Hands clasped, tears in his eyes, he looked up into the heavens.
"Thank you, God…"