The Argenop lifts
one arm, his tail
trembles, he turns
and points his whiskers
in the direction of Faun.
His furry form
blurs and blends
with shingle bark
and filamentous leaves.
Odymn watches the path
for an hour,
half-expecting him
to change his mind.
But the day empties
its coffers of light
and twilight settles.
Odymn turns.
The Slain's eyes upon her,
expressionless.
She adds a stick to the fire.
Stirs the embers.
Her gaze follows
the bevy of sparks
into darkening sky.
She thinks of fires at home.
Of her cousin
making a fool of fire.
Pulling a burning stick
from the embers.
Using the tip
to draw spirals
on featureless sky.
Writing names
on instant-erasing slate.
Odymn banks the fire.
Creeps to her bed.
Loosens her braid
and shakes her curls.
Peers into the shadows.
Her watch begins.
YOU ARE READING
Meniscus: One Point Five - Forty Missing Days
Science FictionAfter the Slain is shot, Odymn and an Argenop elder work together to try and return him to good health. As they journey towards the Themble, survival is a challenge. Odymn must add to her foraging skills and survive an attack by the vicious kotildi...
