Splendid Fall

Ch.29 Spring in Full Bloom

Chapter 29

Wren, who are these people? Birdie asked through their new mind-link as they followed Tau and his people down the stairs.

They're Bedouins, Wren said, his eyes scanning the narrow passage and the people surrounding them. Desert tribe.

Anything we should know about them? Birdie asked.

Always assume the worst in people, little bird, Wren said. That way you won't ever be caught off guard.

"So," Tau looked over his shoulder. "How did you two get out here?"

"We were separated from our tour guide," Wren said before Birdie could speak.

"That's some shitty tour guide if they bought you out here in the middle of the night like this."

"I think their intentions were to rob us," Wren continued. "They took everything and left us for the vetalas."

"The world is a dangerous place nowadays," Tau shook his head. "You can't trust anyone."

"But you trusted us," Birdie spoke up. "You brought us into your....home?"

"Well, we weren't going to leave you out there to be eaten," one of the women holding up a torch to light the way said.

Tau laughed. He looked over his shoulder once more with a grin, "The vetala usually leave a mess and it stinks up the place for weeks after they feed. We're just looking out for ourselves."

"Ah, I see," Wren nodded.

As Tau turned back around, the people behind Birdie and Wren slowly began to disappear into the many cave entrances that appeared along the path. One by one, they left until only Tau and the woman with the torch was left to guide the pair.

"You didn't tell us your names," the woman said, pausing at one of the cave openings.

"I'm Wren," Wren said. "And this is Birdie."

"Nice to meet you," Tau held out his hand. "You already know me. This is Veera, my wife."

"Nice to meet you," Birdie smiled politely at the couple. "Thank you for saving us."

"You two kids out on your honeymoon?" Veera asked, leaning towards her husband.

"What?" Wren snorted. "No! Her?"

"Yeah," Birdie stepped aside from the fey. "Not him. Anyone else but him."

Tau and Veere stared at the pair.

"I thought you said she was your wife," Tau arched his brow.

"No, you thought she was my wife," Wren corrected him. "I just didn't think it was an appropriate time to correct you while being chased by a blood sucking sand mummy."

"So you two are not married?" Veera tilted her head.

"No," Wren shook his head. "Ridiculous idea."

"You're protesting a little too hard, my friend," Tau teased. "Must be something for you to be holding her hand like that."

Birdie and Wren looked down at their intertwined hands.

"Get off of me," Birdie pulled back, causing Veera and Tau to burst into laughter.

"Come along," Veera shook her head and turned to enter the new passage in front of them. "You two hungry?"

Wren guided Birdie to go before him as he followed close behind. The short passage opened up into a large clearing with a bonfire in the center. There were many tents arranged methodically around the large fire as people sat around drinking from small glass cups and eating from wooden bowls. There were children running around and families walking in and out of tents.