The Collectors of Peyka

Chapter 4

The trip back to Peyka was swift. With a familiar path, we didn't feel the need to stop and rest at our cave. We couldn't risk being late again, so we marched through the day until the village came into view with dusk. Part of me looked forward to the praise I'd receive from the commander, but mostly, my stomach had taken on sharp pains after I thought about the upcoming ceremony set for that night. Just as I suspected, we'd made it home for the feast.

The village was something different on the days of a ceremony. The breeders and their children helped arrange flowers on long communal tables that were erected in the village circle by the crafters who'd built the sturdy things. The few collectors that managed to stay home for the festivities hovered around Arthur's cooking pots while savory scents of salted meats and stewed vegetables flooded the atmosphere. Even the commander managed to come out of her tent and exchange civil conversations with the residents that were too old to have a part in the assembly. They were all happy and their conversations chipper. It was a nice change of pace from my daily collections.

It had been too long since Alto and I were able to participate. The last one we'd attended was around my fifteenth birthday, but every year after, the commander always seemed to have a surplus of collections that needed tending to. Not this year though. She'd have to give us a break after the quick one we'd just accomplished.

"It smells so good," Alto said. He squinted against the sun, but even through his drowsy eyes, I could see the glimmer of excitement. "I wonder if Arthur will let me sample the goods."

"Don't pretend like you can't convince him," I said with an infamous eye roll. His false modesty was too much, sometimes. "Go on. I'll brief the commander."

He lifted two fingers to his temple and turned on his heels to dash away. He was so child-like sometimes, but it's what I found endearing about him. Maybe even admirable. Through all the slaughter and mayhem we'd survived, he still managed to find something he could toss his caution to the side for. I envied that.

I found the commander near Mayilda's infirmary, checking over some of the newest bulbs that had blossomed overnight. I couldn't tell a weed from a flower, but Mayilda possessed a special kind of knowledge about all things that sprouted from the ground. She could tell if a plant would poison you just from the shape of its leaves. Just like the crafters, she was remarkable. I'd asked her on several occasions to teach me about some of them, but she'd tell me that plants didn't deserve to be toyed with and she'd have no part. Respect them, she'd say.

"Commander," I said as I approached. I bowed my head and she flicked her fingers for me to rise. "The collection was successful." When I mentioned a collection, Mayilda's face paled and she excused herself to slip inside of her tent. "Gale burned in the fires you summoned."

"Excellent and efficient work, Venus. I wouldn't expect any less." A simple comment, but it made my heart stutter. An air bubble rose to my throat and I ground my teeth to stifle my pride. She motioned me over as she bent down to squint at a plant that had red-tinged leaves. "You see how small this thing is? Mayilda says that touching it could make you break out with a deadly rash. It's amazing how something so small could be so vicious, isn't it?"

She talked like she was in a trance, but I couldn't dismiss the subtle smirk. She had a way about comparisons that made you want to delve deeper. There was a point she was trying to make and I couldn't help but think she was talking about me. I was on the smaller side, but Alto told me it was an advantage. We go underestimated and no one ever points their finger at the little ones.

"I want you to be my second in command," she said and straightened her back. When she turned toward me, I searched for a laugh but there was too much passion in her eyes. "You've proven yourself worthy time and time again. My days do not go without a limit and I'll need someone to take my seat when I pass."