The Oracle's Prophecy

11

The day was drawing to a close. She was hungry and had slept poorly. Her hair was matted, her clothes and face filthy, and her body ached as it had never done before. Yet, Nakano didn't reflect on these complaints instead she focused on getting moving again. Her final destination was close, she could feel it.

On a rocky outcrop with uninterrupted views of the land ahead, she dipped into her memories and focused on one of the first visions she'd witnessed from the prophecy. Of the Pathfinder sitting with his two daughters.

When she had it properly formed in her head, her eyes snapped open and she studied the horizon to the north, where the image was drawing her toward. Removing a compass from her satchel she made a note of the bearing before mounting up on her horse and setting off.

* * *

In the fading light, torches were lit throughout the souk and merchants began closing their stalls. There'd be no more trading for the day and everyone looked excited to blow-off steam, most congregating toward the saloon tents where musicians were already playing and the local hooch was good and cheap. As the crowds swelled, the story-tellers, food-porters, and pick-pockets started moving among them and the dogs began fighting for scraps at their feet.

"When are you going to talk to me, Lee?" Cooper asked as she followed Riley back to the wagon, the last of the day's supplies slung over her shoulder.

Riley had been in a sulk ever since Ellis' tarot cards had revealed that dire prediction of their future. He'd tried to brush it all aside as nonsense, but Riley hadn't wanted to listen.

"Why did you do that?" A furious Cooper had asked him as she'd watched her sister leave in tears. How could you be so stupid, she'd wanted to add but she'd had to catch up with Riley.

"I didn't mean to." She'd heard him call after her as she rushed away.

So now what was only supposed to be a bit of fun had gone and ruined the whole day.

This morning, Cooper had thought they'd be spending their sundown hours sneaking into the saloon tents to taste the local liquor while listening out for any news on the resistance. Perhaps someone would know of a daring raid or rumors of a growing rebel cell in the Borderlands.

Naturally, Riley would've reminded her that their father 'forbade' them from talking to strangers. Ultimately, she would've caved, because Riley could never say no to Cooper, a fact both twins knew only too well.

It would've been a night to remember, and before they'd arrived Cooper had even entertained the idea of letting some handsome stranger buy her a drink and try to charm her.

When she'd met Ellis she'd thought - hoped - it would be him. There was something about him that made her skin feel hot.

Maybe he would've asked her for a dance? Maybe he would've asked her for a kiss? As she stood there talking to him, she'd fantasized about what that might feel like.

What she hadn't expected was that instead of finding out, she'd spend the evening watching Riley's heals and trying not to lose her patience. The whole thing was a mess.

"You're being ridiculous, Lee!" Cooper called out as they trudged down a pathway. "There's no chance I'll ever kill you."

"Though, I'm tempted to after you ruined this evening's fun." She mumbled under her breath.

"I heard that." Riley said which caused Cooper to let out a tired groan.

"I don't get what you're so worried about? I mean, think about it, all these years I haven't killed you yet and you've given me plenty of reason to."