The Fox and the Pigeon hole Chapter 17

17. Rise

The brief moment between Him and Dawn has left Lance shaken with a sort of blissful realization. It was always Dawn, all this time spent together in Collen and now this, his only regret is that it could not have happened sooner, then perhaps they could have discovered their feelings in a much safer environment. Despite arriving their some time ago the beauty of Bluewater valley is still a subject of awe among the group, some have visited before but its timeless elegance has the same effect. After setting up camp on the beach with the rest of the ‘Insurgo’ army Lance has done little in the way of helping with plans for the Pitcairn assault.

 He and Dawn have wandered the area and stolen hours in the secluded forest, just to be apart was like torment. It is a strange feeling that neither of them can quite explain, there has always been a part of Lance that knew he wanted to spend his life with Suheila but it must have been buried so deep within himself that it took a near fatal experience for him to find. Through long periods spent together in the past days, sometimes in total silence locked in embrace, or deep in conversation that has eluded them in the past. Conversations about more than just what they feel but who they are, more and more Lance realizes that he cannot live without her. Even others have noticed the change, Kuruk has been a friendly companion since their arrival and it is on one sunny afternoon, a week after arriving that he voices his mind.

The shade of a large cave protects them from the harsh sun and the three of them sit looking down at the beach where they can see preparations being made for the assault and people milling around. “Look there,” Says Kuruk quietly pointing down at the beach where Dimitri is orchestrating an odd seen. He is overseeing a few army members as they lead animals across the sand, leaning forward Lance sees that they resemble huge white wolfs, much like the one that greeted them on the mountain side. “What are they” Asks Dawn, Squinting and standing to see better. “My people call them ‘Barpha śikārī kuttā” He replies with his thick accent. “Come again?” asks Lance with raised eyebrows, Kuruk smiles and looks back down at the beach “It means ‘Snow Hound’”

The meaning for their name is obvious, the thick white fur seems to emit its own Incandescent glow, broken only by what seems to be a line of smooth diamond shaped rocks down is spine. The rocks start large but decrease in size until the end of their flowing tails, where they resemble perfectly shaped pebbles. Although it is vicious looking, it moves with the elegance and grace of a horse. Its head is more sleek and pointed like a cat with beady, black eyes. Looking at their amazed faces Kuruk looks slightly confused, “You are not taught about these animals?”

“No,” Says Dawn, awkwardly “We mostly just learned about plants” Looking anywhere but at Kuruk’s astonished face they are relieved when a voice comes up the hillside. “Hey! You three, Hourne wants to see you” Rafiel’s booming voice bounces off the walls of the cave and echo’s into its depths, his mood has improved considerably over the past few days, the entire army gathered for a prompt funeral on the second day which seems to have helped him recover. Suheila’s death hit him very hard and he didn’t even acknowledge Lances existence for a while afterwards but they soon exchanged stories of what happened after they had become separated and where talking as if nothing had happened.

~  *  ~

“Do you know what he wants with us?” Lance asks Rafiel as they walk across the sand towards Sergeant Hourne’s tent, “No Idea”. Lance shoots him a furtive look, Hourne is intimidating enough without being angry, but on the other hand he cannot think of anything that he has done that could anger him. “You’ll be fine” he reassures Lance as they reach the entrance. After a deep breath they walk into the dim candle light of the tent, Hourne Sits in his large chair. Relief spreads in Lance as he sees that Sergeant Hournes’ smile is warm and friendly. “Lance, How are you?”

“Im, Fine. Thanks” He replies quickly,

“Dawn?-“

“Im good thanks” Her voice is much calmer than Lance’s

“Very good, Um, Kuruk could you give us a moment?” He gestures towards the door,

“Yes, of course” Kuruk leaves quickly and Hourne stands, imposing his huge size and strength,

“Now, you both know that we are leaving tomorrow for Pitcairn, It has been greatly disputed among me and Dimitri what will become of you. Although it would be dangerous for you to come along Rafiel has insisted you are important to our cause, im still...undecided” He sighs, staring hard at them “Do you want to come?”,Lance and Dawn look at each other and mutually decide through a small nod.

“Yes,” Dawn says confidently, “We always wanted to come”,

“Oh” Hourne scratches his face, clearly still deciding, “ But im not sure you realize what it is we’re attempting?, We are talking abou’ breaking into Pitcairn and taking over the city. Are you sure-

“Where else would we go?” Lance interjects, “Our village is empty, our families are dead. I don’t think we have much choice”

Sergeant Hourne looks straight into Lances glistening eyes, and then his hand intwined with Dawns by his side, “Yes...Yes I suppose you’re right, now Lance I need to talk to you alone if you don’t mind”

“oh, yes of course” Dawn walks out of the tent looking back anxiously, but Lance is already moving around the table to speak to sergeant Hourne.