The LEVELER King ✔

CHAPTER 4

Indel, unable to move from his hunched posture, resolved to sleep that way rather than beg the petty Summoner to help him rest again. Lying on his back was much more preferable but now he doubted it would matter.

It had been generations since their two kinds met on agreeable terms. Their symbiotic cultures were ones unrivaled before the Earthers' arrival ruined it.

That was the story. Indel had believed it. The fear in Nala's eyes when she'd raised her hand said differently. She'd struck, not out of anger, but something else.

Clenching the hay, Indel tried to lower himself.

It wasn't just fear he'd seen. Indel knew fear from the hunts. The countless animals he'd rendered to pieces with his hands often showed it.

At first glance, Indel expected Nala to be timid. The hit had confirmed it; it was easy to attack something helpless. It was a cowardly thing to do. True strength came from facing something beyond one's control.

The moonlight spilled through the crudely formed window, shrouding the would-be meal in white.

Despite the anguish, Indel reached out and scooped up the white paste. He examined the substance; it was the sloth's food. That Summoner mocked him openly by giving him the food of her pet.

Indel's body burned from the slighting. Biting down a cry as he shifted, he stared at the white substance.

He thought to throw it but in time, he calmed.

The Summoner had given him food. Had she left her Betty with bitter roots only to give the better feeding to the bitter Leveler King?

Indel scoffed as he brought it closer. Rather than eat it, he rubbed it against his stomach. Even that gentle touch was agonizing but the cold paste was soothing. With gnashed teeth, he gathered up some more and spread it on his arms as well.

The cold texture of the food brought relief but it wasn't long before it warmed. Indel found himself with yet another problem; he couldn't sweat. Now with the feed on his arms, the glands were blocked.

While before, the pain came with an aching sensation, it returned now with a burn. It was fitting that this gift only gave temporary relief.

A sweet aroma washed over him and he looked up.

Robe barely tied, Nala stood by him. "What have you done to yourself and that food?"

Indel peered up at her and tried to laugh. "I've blocked the glands, I think."

Nala hurried away. When she returned with a hollowed-out gourd of water and more bit of gunny sack, Indel's body stiffened in reaction.

"You can't. It's too coarse."

"I know," Nala said, dragging the stool close. "But you'll suffocate when the feed dries."

She wouldn't meet Indel's gaze as she poured the water onto the rag.

Indel allowed Nala to take his hand. The cleaning was by far the worst. By the second arm, Nala abandoned the rag, resolving to fetch more water. She poured it along Indel's body.

The water felt good and after Indel was turned onto his back, his stomach lightly doused, he caught hold of Nala's arm.

Those black eyes held fear, but Indel was solemn as he said, "I thank you for the food. I didn't intend to waste it."

"There is no more if that's what you're asking," Nala said, jerking her hand away. "Come, I will put your robe to dry, but you will need covering."