Bone and Blood Volume I

24 - Southwest to Colorado Springs' Outskirts, 1927

Early the next night, Errek left his slot in the honeycomb of hunter dens. His plan was to be ready to go before Kordi was up. He was unsure if she knew she was expected to train him. He had to catch her before she went out. Assuming she came back the prior morning.

As he stretched his arms, he scanned the other den slots. No sign of her. She must have stayed out. Great. He wandered dejectedly into the main chamber. The idea of wasting another night left a bad taste in his mouth. Maybe it was time to accept Worith and Kalen's invitation.

"Hey, Errek!" Kordi had one foot up on the bench. Her torso was flat over her leg as she reached past her toes.

"Evening, Rising Prince Kordi."

She did a double take. "My goodness! You sound just like Prince Entorani!"

"Yeah... I keep hearing I take after him."

"You sound unhappy about that. There are worse family members to be like, trust me. Anyway, it's about time you got up! I'm ready to leave."

"It's barely sunset."

She tsked. "Typical lazy hunter." Straightening, she walked a quick circle around him. "Well, we better get moving. We're already late, and you're going to slow me down."

When she came to a stop, Errek rotated his right leg away from her. "Why do you say that?"

She shoved him back with a playful grin. "Because you don't know what you're doing. You'll be all questions and fumbling. New hunters are always like that."

"Aren't you the youngest hunter after me?"

A bought of cackling escaped her. "Yes! That's why I know what I'm talking about! You ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

"Race ya!" She was already gone.

By the time Errek exited the barracks, she was halfway up the spiral. This was the wrong time to push his leg. Trotting, he scanned the pit for ideas. Kordi was almost at the landing. Climbing from there would still leave her with sprint about the pit edge to reach the knights.

Errek skidded to a halt. He could go straight to the cage from the walkway section below Entorani's den. He bet he climbed faster than Kordi could run. Grinning, he scurried up the wall. His hand had just reached the top when he heard Kordi.

"Good evening, Knight Demeko. Have you seen Errek? We were supposed to go hunting tonight, but it looks like I've lost him. I guess I'll have to go out alone."

Scowling, Errek crept over the edge. Demeko cleared his throat, and Kordi turned around.

"Oh, there you are! I've been waiting ages for you! I was worried the grubs ate you."

Rising to his feet with a glare, "Very funny."

Kordi looked back at Demeko. "Oh dear. That one's got less of a sense of humor than Ander had."

Demeko deigned to respond, "Hunters are not known for their humor nor good temper, rising prince."

"I've heard the same of knights... Oh well, I supposed I'll have to disappoint on both accounts for both ranks." She gave an unamused Demeko a full-toothed grin before dismissing herself. If this was the standard for good behavior, then Errek would easily earn Demeko's mentorship.

Kordi grabbed Errek by the arm and dragged him into the tunnel. He got a face full of some citrusy scent from her overalls. A stark contrast to the faint moldering smell that pervaded everyone else. Errek shrugged his arm free. "Why did Demeko let you—"