Arakim's Legacy(#Wattys2015)

Chapter 11

Mena raged silently at the high handedness of this male called Arakim. She was tired of arrogant domineering males. And who died and made this Arakim, the leader. Even though she couldn't help but note the effortless way he assumed leadership, like he was born to lead and others followed. Even Talor who only obeyed Tyr was not putting up any resistance but agreeing meekly to his royal commands. Royalty, Kingdom, scoffed Adani.

Steering her thoughts away from the too disturbing male walking in front of her. Well, stalking more like it with an animal grace that even Mena could not deny, fingering the hilt of her favourite knife. Not sure if she was happy or angry for not killing him when she had the chance. Mena knew, watching him that he was a very dangerous and lethal man and the best way to kill such dangerous animals was not to give them a chance to fight. You went in and killed them, because hesitation will get you gutted before you knew what happened while they went off to have a nice meal. Mena, shivered a bit with that thought, anticipation and something else she wasn't going to examine filling her body. But one thing was clear. This was the first time she felt this alive in a long time and she owed it to that arrogant male.

Enough about him. I had given him enough of my time already, dismissing Arakim. What did Adani mean? That she'd been here for a whole year when she'd been gone for only ten days. How devastating she must have felt, not knowing where she was and nobody coming to her rescue. I knew we should've come immediately but Tyr wouldn't hear of it. Arrogant males and their stupid attitude.

"It doesn't make any sense.'' said Edum, walking alongside Mena.

"What doesn't?'' asked Mena, distracted.

"The time.'' Looking at her questioningly. Bet he was wondering what was wrong with me. Join the club.

"Oh! Aye.'' Mena agreed. "Nay, it doesn't.

"What do you think?'' whispering.

"About what?'' asked Mena, glancing sideways at him and received an, are you serious look. And shrugged.

"About him.'' Nodding towards Arakim, who had his head close to Talor's, discussing what Mena could only guess at. They looked very comfortable together like they had known each other for years instead of hours. There was something about that picture; the midnight black hair and the shaggy brown hair that was nagging at the back of her mind but she couldn't pin it down yet.

"I don't know.'' answering Edum's question, but at his suspicious and knowing look. "I just met the man. What do you want me to say.'' Protested Mena, getting irritated.

Shrugging unconcernedly, lifting an eyebrow sardonically, and dared her to deny it. 'Maybe. But you like him''

"How can I like someone I just met and almost killed?'' She shook her head, getting angry.

Edum shrugged, not responding.

"That I want to share sex with him is not the same as liking him.'' snapped Mena. And at Edum's pitying look, Mena's shoulders slumped in resignation.

"I'm in trouble here, aren't I?'' asked Mena, scared for the second time for different reasons. She knew this male would change her life as she knew it. Edum rubbed her shoulders in comfort and support, withdrawing almost immediately, knowing how his friend didn't like touching nor sympathy.

They walked on in silence, Mena noticed a change in the terrain. The trees were getting even bigger with their roots all over the forest floor, sound of rushing waters in the distance. And she realised how little attention she'd paid to her surroundings and became angry at herself for letting him distract her to this extent. She looked around and found the group walking in pairs or threesome. Arakim and Talor behind Djou and Myra who were behind Ren and Gnar with Adani in between them leading the way. Adani talking animatedly to both boys, towering over her while Ren held tightly to her hand, bringing a smile to Mena's face and heart.