The Book of Lasrin

Chapter One: The Hunt

My Story

I lay curled in the warm animal furs and soft skins that were piled high in my Birth-mate and I's  tent. Arianna, my Birth-mate, was fast asleep but I was giddy with excitement. Tomorrow would be Arianna and my Passing! We would be turning 16 and it was customary to go on a Hunt. Others might call it theft but I didn’t care what they thought. They didn’t understand. They didn’t matter.

I untangle myself from Arianna gently and slowly so as not to wake her and step outside. I sit on the cold, dewy grass and wait for the sun. I hear soft footsteps but don’t turn. I know its Arianna. And it is.

She sits next to me and wraps a warm blanket made out of rabbit pelts around my bare shoulders. I give her a wan smile.

“Did I wake you?” I ask softly not wanting to disturb the rest of the camp or break the silence of the morning.

“No, I couldn’t sleep.” She says, quietly also.

“Are you kidding? You were snoring like a Smithle!” I cry. She grins.

“Are you ready?” She asked.

“I was born ready.” I tell her and we exchange big grins. I hear the echoing message in my words: I was born ready because I was born with you. We clasp hands, pulling each other up and, standing, go get dressed.

***

Arianna and I stand in the clearing as our chief briefs us in his tent. He tells us where were to going and what we are … retrieving. After he finishes he dismiss us and we go collect food and other supplies. We will get four days. The first to travel to Capybara, the next two to take the wanted items and the last day to travel back. A clean get in get out mission. If only, if only.

Outside we met Isaac and Liam. They were one year older then us making them 17 and our superiors. They wave us over and smiling asks us how it went.

“All is well.” I tell them.

“Can we come?” asked Isaac brightly. What a weird request, I think, no one ever accompanies anyone else on Hunts.

Don’t let them come, Arianna says suddenly, quiet forcefully in my head using mind-speak.

Of course not, I reply sending her the idea of my curiosity but do as she asked.     

“Sorry, you can’t come. We need to hurry if we are to make Capybara in a day. Shove off.” I say becoming businesslike. I had always been the bolder of the two of us. Arianna was shyer and a bit smaller not one to contradict her peers or stand up for herself. So I did my duty to her and protected her.

“But-” Liam protests. I cut him off.

“You’re not wanted,” I say slowly and clearly. “Leave or I’ll make you.” I threatened. The Master comes up behind us.

“Girls, you know Liam and Isaac. There going with you as your guards.”

“B-bu-but Master,” I splutter outraged. “No one else has to be babysitted! No one accompanies any one else on the Passing! It’s not right! How are we learning anything if we have them with us?” I pointed an accusing finger at the boys. “This will be just like training! You can’t do this to us!”

“I can and am. This is for your own good. The Ixils are agitated and nothing much bothers them. There must be a cause and I will not have this cause bothering my star pupils.” Despite being angry Arianna and I swelled with pride. “They will stay out of sight and out of mind. They aren’t to interfere unless you girls are in danger. Right boys?” he turned to look at them and the boy nodded solemnly. “Then it’s settled.” And he walked off.

“How are we going to learn to fight if we have a pair of boys along doing all the work?” Arianna grumbles at me.

“Who knew the Master was so sexist?” I grumble back. "Were the only girl pair to get stuck with bodyguards."

“Well girls, daylights fading.” The boy’s chorus, grinning. They hoist their packs onto their backs and set out at a brisk pace leaving us behind.

“Let’s go.” Arianna says.

“If the boys are here can’t they at lest be useful? Like carrying our bags!” I say back jogging to catch up to the boys who are fading into the gloom.

“Sorry girls were only here to guard the body's. We promised.” Isaac says hearing us. I snort and on we walk.