ira

Chapter 5: The Deal

I sat in the dull room, still thinking over what I had just done. I felt a combination of anger, confusion, and satisfaction. Pushing the thoughts away, I still had to make a decision for the deal. Of course I would agree. It's the only way I could leave. Walking to the door, I tried to open it with no luck. I knocked. All I heard was raven cries and stale laughter. The laughter began to get closer, until it was right up against the door.

"Nice one. Don't speak of it ta Ms. Kane o she'll 'ave your 'ead," A thick accented voice whispered and simultaneously opened the door, "Whut do you wont."

"I've made up my mind about the deal." I looked down at the little Raven Queen worshiper.

He was short, with shaggy black hair and sharp teeth, tattered clothes and no shoes. Gesturing for me to follow, I left the room and made my way down the hall, to where I assumed Rowena would be.

"Wait 'ere." The minion waddled away with his friend.

I sat and waited for a while, picking at the hem on my shirt or fiddling with my metal hand. Eventually Rowena entered the room.

"So i've been told you've made up your mind hm? I hope that we are on the same page love." She glided around me.

I looked at her quizzically, "Don't call me that. And yeah, I'll work for you."

She clapped, "Wonderful. Why don't I take you back to your friends then? I'm sure you want to see them," grabbing my hand, she led me through the cave.

I didn't object from the hand holding. It was weird, but nice that someone cared for once. I was used to people seeing me as a toy, nothing more than a useless soldier.

We walked out of the cave and into a dense forest, "Now dear, hold on to me. I don't want you to lose any limbs," she snickered and wrapped her arms around me.

"What? No I--" My words were cut off by feathers and smoke surrounding me, to the sudden sounds of voices shrieking.

As I opened my eyes, I saw that I was back in the village, the people all staring at me out of fear. Sark was one of them. He was standing near the entrance of the tent.

Rowena let go of me and giggled, "See you soon dear."

Kissing me on the cheek, she disappeared into a puff of smoke and feathers. I shook my head and smiled awkwardly at Sark, who was already walking up to me.

He have me a kind hug, "Ira... I thought I had lost you. Are you okay? Who was that," holding my head in his hands, he looked deep into my eyes.

I smiled, "I'll explain when we're all together, where are Ehs and Montohar?"

"Inside. Come with me." Sark put an arm around me and led me into the tent.

I could see people walking back and forth. Sark pointed to the two over in the corner, huddled around a table, talking back and forth. I cleared my throat and Ehs looked towards me, his eyes widening.

"Ira!" Ehs yelled, running at me and picking me up in the air.

I hugged him back, happy to be back in the arms of a friend. He set me down, awkwardly blushing and scratching his head. Montohar simply giving me a handshake, which I was fine with. They all asked me questions, which I reluctantly answered.

"Who took you?"

"What happened?"

"Did you have to fight?"

"Where did you go?"

I calmed them all down as I began to explain, "I was taken by the Raven Queen, Rowena Kane. She took me to her cave in the woods and spoke about a deal. She told me she would side with the winning side, us, if I served her. Meaning I would have to go to her whenever she was in need. I couldn't leave until I made up my mind. I wish I could have talked it over with you guys. I accepted the deal."

"Well, that isn't the worst thing in the world. I suppose we will make do. We're just glad to have you back." Montohar placed a hand on my shoulder.

Sark spoke up, "Uh also, why did she kiss you on the cheek when you appeared?"

I looked at him, face obviously red, "I may have..." I gestured a kissing motion with my hands, too embarrassed to explain.

I noticed Ehs. He looked completely devastated.

"We're not a thing. She's evil." I slammed my hand down on the table, shaking the drinks sitting there.

Sark looked concerned, but not angry, "She wouldn't be my first choice. She is good looking though."

I mumbled, "Can we not talk about it? It's... Embarrassing."

Everyone nodded, and changed the subject to what they were planning before I showed up. It was all about how we'd get to the tracker point, and the obstacles in the way. I perpetually looked up, noticing Ehs wouldn't look at me or answer my questions in full. After hours of planning, we all went to our own huts, Sark staying with Montohar. I went back to the tent. I was so tired my eyes couldn't stay open anymore.