Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 3: The Denizens of the Desert

After a while, they come across a lake—the first sizable body of water Marlina has seen in this desert. As they follow the edge of the lake, Marlina notices in the distance what appears to be a nearby civilization they are approaching. Patches of grass begin to emerge, gradually growing larger. Soon, the most plant life Marlina has seen in days litters the area, from cacti with blooming flowers to shrubs and palm trees, which the man operating the sled navigates effortlessly. Up ahead, Marlina can see only a few large structures, at least in comparison to the towns and cities she had passed through while traveling across Urush. The structures have dome-like roofs painted in bright shades of blue, yellow, and red—the protective walls surrounding the structures are adorned with the same colors to enhance visibility.

Marlina examines her arms and body to confirm that her condition hasn't worsened. Thankfully, the multiple gaps in her form remain unchanged. However, this has never happened to her before. As far as she knew, she couldn't be harmed. Yet now she is riddled with holes and handless.

From her observations of people, it's unfortunate and sometimes devastating to lose body parts. There was only one time that something like this happened to her. During a storm, a tree was struck by lightning, falling on Marlina and pinning one of her arms beneath it. It was after a few days of trying to escape that she managed to relieve herself of her arm. It didn't hurt, and there was no fear of blood loss. Her disembodied arm reattached easily enough once she reclaimed it from under the tree. Her earlier panic stemmed from the fact that her hands didn't detach from her; they disintegrated for no apparent reason. The way her hands changed form was also unprecedented. Hopefully, whoever she is being taken to for aid understood what kind of creature she is, as she had yet to find others like herself.

As they approach the main gate, three individuals stand at the entryway. The tallest of the group is a man wearing a leather tunic and long blue sleeves. From a distance, one might easily mistake him for being blonde. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear that his roots are black, while the rest is bleached. His hair covers half his pale face, and a monocle rests over his visible eye.

The other male in the group, an Urushian, is easily identifiable by his crimson-shaded hair. His uniform, similar to the attire worn by Marlina's rescuers, is disheveled from haste. He is holding a scimitar in one hand and the reins of another lizard steed in the other. One would quickly notice the eyepatch covering his left eye, with some scarring visible beneath it.

Then there is the third: a woman who stands out from the other two. If anything sets her apart, it's her long, braided white hair and long, pointed ears. The woman has the darkest skin tone Marlina has ever seen, a unique shade of gray she had not encountered before. Her sleeveless flowing cloak of icy blue and white, and her authoritative stance, conveyed a sense of nobility. She holds a staff that appears shorter than most that Marlina has seen. Once the sled comes to a stop, the woman inside helps Marlina out. The man jumps off but keeps a watchful eye on Marlina as they approach the trio.

"Natalia, is everything alright?" the noblewoman asks Marlina's guide, her voice calm despite the situation. Marlina's condition is evident to her, but the absence of a panic-stricken atmosphere, more of uncertainty, prompted her question. There is also no blood that typically accompanies amputation. Therefore, she chose not to create panic and waited patiently for her answer.

"We reached her in time and defeated the hekoska, but I think she's injured, so we're going to take her to Tessa." The one called Natalia is about to pass them with Marlina when the taller gentleman with the monocle places his hand on her shoulder.

Marlina looks up at him and guesses he is at least six feet tall. She detects a grimace on his face as if he smells something foul, and he leans back a little. "Allow me. Daylight hours are getting scarce to transport these remains. The recipients expect the exchange in two days, and the hekoska will be troublesome enough with that one's scent all over you." His demeanor and manner of speaking indicated he is more of the scholarly type, and his lanky, lean frame further exemplified this. His gaze then shifts to a crafted coffin near the main gate of the outpost, along with some small supply crates. It seems Marlina's predicament impeded this task, which involves whatever is inside the coffin. She learned about them during her travels, and what was usually placed inside those made her uneasy. 

The older man with the eyepatch then addresses the man with the monocle. "They might have to wait longer than that, Elek. The other hekoska catches even a hint of blood from that carcass nearby, and I'll need Neterion and Natalia here to make sure they don't get too close to the walls. It's unlikely, but they've been pretty restless lately, and I'd rather not take that chance with having two of us away." Upon closer inspection, the older man has numerous scars on his neck and arms, partially concealed beneath his uniform. One appears to be a burn scar, while others seem like blade slashes. Marlina wonders what other markings might be hidden beneath his clothing. His scimitar and sheath on his hip are exquisitely crafted, true marvels of workmanship given to highly respected soldiers.

A moment of silence passes as the two men look at the noblewoman, whose expression reveals she is weighing the risks and rewards. "We are increasingly in need of supplies, and the payment from this return will help us acquire them. Once we obtain that volcanic soil and seeds from Volkaunus, we can grow crops. Neterion and Natalia will need to make headway immediately." While Natalia salutes with a gesture, Marlina's male rescuer—presumably Neterion—displays some displeasure, agreeing with the man with the eyepatch but remaining silent. The noblewoman then turns to the taller man, Elek, gesturing toward Marlina. "Elek, please escort her to your mate and take care of her." She then looks at the man with the eyepatch. "I have no doubt we can't rely solely on our strength, Mordecai. Please have your sled and mount ready for battle."

After everyone receives their orders, they begin to carry out their tasks. Neterion and Natalia load the coffin and supplies onto the sled while Elek approaches Marlina. "Please come with me." 

Mordecai lingers with Aurea longer as if he has something to discuss with her. Meanwhile, Marlina is still processing the situation. As she follows Elek through the main gate, she glances back at the noblewoman, who looks toward the lake where the outpost sat along the coast.