Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 18: A Cunning Bargain

Standing at the front gate, Aurea noticed the dust cloud and was waiting. Minutes later, Tessa and Elek arrived as well. The twins slowed their exhausted braxl and brought the sled filled to the brim with goods to a halt, a couple of Colonial passengers riding along with them. Attached to the back of the sled was a large crate on top of a hastily assembled sled for easier transport. They were all covered from head to toe in sand, likely having encountered a sandstorm on the way back. 

Nevertheless, Mordecai wrapped his arms around the twins and hugged them tightly. "Welcome back, you two. Dinner will be ready later."

Natashia welcomes the embrace. "We're pretty tired ourselves; a nap before dinner sounds good."

Neterion's expression and body language made it clear he wasn't fond of being embraced. The Colonials seemed bewildered by the embrace, which might explain Neterion's reaction. "I have a feeling we'll have more work to do later," he grumbled softly, lightly nodding toward the newcomers.

The Colonials, equipped with halberds and rifles, protected themselves with metal armor plates and carried large packs for travel. They were taking a moment to process everything. First, there were Urushians present, and they weren't lunging to attack. However, that didn't lessen their wariness of Mordecai's scimitar hanging at his hip and his hands. Then there was Tessa, Elek standing close to her almost protectively, fussing with his hair that obscured his face. At that moment, Aurea seemed more concerned with the cargo than on them; the Colonials had no idea what she was. Lastly, their eyes fell on Marlina and her purple hair, the vibrant hue and shine in the midday sun, nearly blinding them compared to the duller tones of the outpost.

When the twins found them, they were grateful for the help during the sandstorm, which had swept their sail-sled from the ground and smashed it against a boulder. They agreed to accompany the twins to the outpost rumored to be in the middle of the desert, although they didn't disclose everything. All that was given was a subtle threat that there would be no trouble as long as they remained civil and respectful.

The others welcomed the twins home, and the twins brought their sled to the courtyard to unload. Neterion handed Aurea a ledger and a beautifully decorated crimson envelope. Aurea was confused as she examined the envelope but tucked it away and reviewed the ledger while the others assisted with unloading.

Natashia gives Tessa satchels filled with planting seeds: "Corn, eggplant, and melon seeds—plenty of those, too." 

As Tessa checked the seeds, particularly the corn kernels, her eyes beamed with joy. "It's been years since I've made my favorite meal from home." 

With his arm around her shoulders, Elek gives her a gentle squeeze. "It will still be a few months, unfortunately." 

Reaching up and gently tapping his nose, Tessa smirks. "Just in time for your birthday. You won't want anything else to eat after." 

Amused by her confidence, Elek indulges her. "If you say so, my dear."

Neterion then hands Mordecai a sack, reaches inside, and pulls out a chunk of obsidian, tossing it up and down in his hand. "This will make great tools."

Aurea, observing the Colonials and sensing their awkwardness, approaches them. "Welcome to Englias. I am Chief Aurea, the overseer of this outpost. May I ask what brings you this far into the desert?"

It was a moment before they answered, unsure how to speak to her. Who calls themselves a Chief? What is she, some gauche cave dweller? Their reluctance to accept her authority was evident, but one finally spoke up. "We're beast hunters, the best in our guild. Our guild master wants us to bring back something called a hekoska."