Short stories by Jade Crispy

The Unwanted Saviour part 4

Akita and Torek hid behind the berry bushes near a large tent. They observed two of the Aquitem warriors trade weapons (her tribe call them fire sticks) with two tall yellow-haired men in strange blue clothing. Their shirts covered their entire body, even their arms, their pants were no different. They also wore these black tall things on their legs called ' boots'. Akita did not understand why they needed their boots or their beige hard hats. They will get warm easily. Akita didn't understand herself why she let Torek help her. Torek could have his own revenge a long while ago. Was he waiting for the right chance? Or was it an excuse to make sure she doesn't hurt herself?

Ether way, the warriors were distracted. Many others have gone for a feast among themselves. The village folk were in their houses, hiding from the settlers. Torek then pointed to a large tent across the four men. Then Torek explained " That tent is where they would hide their prisoners and tie them to a pole. If they really took your father and the warriors, they would be in there."

" Understood. I will sneak in and check if they are there. If they aren't we will sneak out quietly, if they are, I will release them and we will escape." Akita told Torek.

" Sneaking out with a large group will not be easy. We need to distract the Aquitem warriors." Torek rebutted " I will distract them. We need to come up with a signal." 

" Hm… I will make a shadow of a bird in the tent for you to see, that will be your signal to distract the warriors while my tribe and I escape." Akita said. Torek nodded. Akita was about to get up and move when she thought of something. She squat down again, looked at Torek and asked " If we succeed in rescuing my father and his warriors, we would thank you greatly. We might give you a reward despite who you are, what will be your wish?"

Torek thought for awhile. He didn't really want anything at all. He was fine living in the forest by himself. Then he thought of it. Would it be possible? Him? No… but he's banished. Maybe they might except him. " Allow me to become a part of the Aritago."

Akita was shocked. She did not expect Torek to give such a request. It was impossible! He's not only an Aquitem, but also the heir to the tribe! Would he be willing to give it up? Even if he did, the tribe will never accept him. The marks of an Aquitem will forever remain on him. " That is impossible. You may save their lives but it will not grant you your wish."

" I am a banished heir. I have two younger brothers, I will not get my position back. When I am banished, I belong to no tribe. It is true I still have the marks of an Aquitem but I'm not an Aquitem at heart. My grandmother was also an Aritago. That is enough." Torek said. Akita was furious, yes what he said is true but it's impossible! He'll be shunned away immediately, maybe killed. But if you add the fact he saved them if they were successful… he might have a very small chance…

" I do not know if that will be possible. My father will decide that." Akita said.

" Fine." Torek said. Then they slowly got up and creeped along the bushes to the other side of the Aquitem camp. The warriors were busy bargening with the settlers on the price of the fire sticks. They were too engrossed on getting the best price for the firesticks to notice the two royal blooded invaders. They found themselves behind the tent.

" May the gods be in your favour." Torek whispered in her ear from behind her, careful not to speak too loudly. Akita was quiet. Torek is a good man, Akita agreed. She was starting to trust him since the time in the cave. But she was still wary. Can she truely trust him with such a risky situation. Akita thought maybe it's not that bad to be friends with a banished heir. She will decide to trust him or not when she gives the signal. If Torek does it, he is loyal to her. If he does not, he betrays her. 

" May the gods be in your favour." Akita whispered. Then she quickly snuck out of the bushes and into the tent. 

The tent was made out of several white animal skins, there were random patterns of brown sticks along the walls of the tent. There were several poles inside the tent stuck in the ground. They were around twice the height of Akita. Sitting at the bottom of the poles, with their hands tied to the poles, were the Aritago warriors. Akita's heart stopped. They were here, they were really here. She first had a burst of anger inside of her towards the Aquitem. But them she was filled with worry. Where is her father? She searched around field of poles. She saw a familiar face under the thickest pole. His head was hung down, asleep. His long hair tied in a ponytail behind his back was hanging over his shoulder. His tanned chest had many wounds. He wore a pair of baggy pants with many feathers on it. His face paint was nearly gone, with only patches of red paint in his cheeks and nose.