Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 18: A Cunning Bargain

Aurea is already waiting at the front gate. Minutes later, Tessa and Elek arrive as well. The twins slow their exhausted braxl and bring the sled, filled to the brim with goods, to a halt, with a couple of Colonial passengers riding along with them. Attached to the back of the sled is a large crate on top of a hastily assembled sled for easier transport. They are covered from head to toe in sand, likely having encountered a sandstorm on their way back. 

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

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

Neterion's expression and body language indicate that he isn't fond of being embraced. The Colonials are puzzled by the gesture, which may explain Neterion's reaction. "I have a feeling we'll have more work to do later," he grumbled softly, giving a slight nod toward the newcomers.

The Colonials are equipped with halberds and rifles, metal armor plates for protection, and large packs for travel. They take a moment to process everything. First, there are Urushians present, and they aren't lunging to attack. However, this doesn't lessen their wariness of Mordecai's scimitar hanging at his hip and hands. Then there's Tessa, Elek standing close to her almost protectively, fussing with his hair that obscures his face. At that moment, Aurea is more concerned with the cargo than with them; the Colonials have no idea what she is. Lastly, their eyes fall 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 if they remained civil and respectful.

The others welcome the twins back home, and the twins bring their sled into the courtyard to unload it. Neterion hands Aurea a ledger along with a beautifully decorated crimson envelope. Aurea is confused as she examines the envelope but puts it away and reviews the ledger while the others help.

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

Her eyes beam with joy as Tessa checks the seeds, especially the corn kernels. "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. Mordecai reaches inside and pulls out a chunk of obsidian, tossing it up and down in his hand. "This will make great tools."

Aurea, noticing the Colonials and 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's a moment before they answer, uncertain about how to speak to her. Who refers to themselves as a Chief? What is she, some gauche cave dweller? Their reluctance to accept her authority is clear, but one finally speaks up. "We're beast hunters, the best in our guild. Our guild master wants us to bring back something called a hekoska."

With their attention on Aurea, Mordecai glances at Natalia, who indicates with just her eyes and the gesture of her hands that she has already informed them. Then, as he glances at Neterion, he crosses his arms and rolls his eyes. It looks like an opportunity for Mordecai, which Aurea has already stepped aside for him.