Chapter 113: The Desert Wolves

As heat of the sun beat down on them; Reika trudged forward, Kael was a little in front, scanning for any sign of water or shelter. The desert air sucked each last bit from flesh but Reika kept inhaling the drying air. "We can't go this way," Reika whispered hoarsely. Kael turned to her and furrowed his brow. "We must, Luna. We cannot stop..." He didn't say it, but then again, he didn't have to. Both knew fully well the desert wouldn't let them get away if they didn't find a shelter on time. Hours melted into oblivion until, all at once, Kael stilled himself, hand upraised, stopping Reika where she stood. "What?" she breathed. He jerked his head to the horizon. "There. See that?" Reika peered through her hair, distorted vision making wavy lines everywhere with the oncoming heat. It wasn't the first, but finally a mirage she was afraid was some kind of delusion came into partial focus-a collection of mud-and-stone huts that merged almost perfectly with the color of the color of the surrounding sand. "A village," Kael murmured, relieved, yet warningly. " "Hopefully they'll be friendly." A murmur arose as they drew near the edges of the village. A group stood near a well, garbed in loose, sand-hued robes, all eyes upon them. Kael raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "We mean no harm," he called out. The villagers exchanged wary glances, then one-a tall man, with features chiseled from weathered wood and piercing amber eyes-stepped forward. Who are you and for what purpose have you come to the desert?" he ordered, his tone firm and sans menace. "We are travelers," Kael ventured more judiciously now, more aware of to whom and how precisely his words were slanting. "We strayed, and for many days traveled, we require only water and shelter." At last, the man turned to Reika, and his eyes dropped to the swollen belly. "You have brought a pregnant woman through the desert? Either very brave or very foolish. "Both," Reika said, her voice trembling, a small smile on her face. "But we had no choice. The man watched them a moment longer before he nodded. "Come. We'll feed and water you. But let me make one thing clear: if you bring one speck of trouble to our village, you'll regret it."     ---    They were villagers, he said, of the Desert Wolves, and promptly took Kael and Reika into their settlement. Despite the desolation of the desert surroundings, the village was colorful and well-organized; small gardens of hardy plants flourished in the shade of the huts while one large central tent acted as a common area. A woman inside, with warm eyes, handed Reika a cup of water. "Drink slow," she said. Reika nodded her head and took a sip of the cool liquid. "Thank you, your kindness is more than one can know." Kael did not relax, his muscles strung tight within him. He could not kick the feeling of being surrounded; he felt the weight of invisible eyes. "Relax," the man who'd spoken to them said, setting a reassuring hand on Kael's shoulder from beside him. "We are just being cautious-not your enemies. Forcing a smile onto his face, Kael shrugged. "Appreciate that. Your name is?" "Kiran," the man replied. "The pack leader here." With night stealing in and giving way to dusk, everything that was seemed swallowed, as if on cue, by some unseen throat. Night drew villagers around fire, sharing supper; aside sat Reika and Kael with their heads hung down, taking the food. "You're not from around here," Kiran said, his amber eyes lighting up from where he was before the fire, amidst darkness. "No," Kael said. "We are from the north." An eyebrow winged upward on his face. "The north? That is a long way from here. What brings you so far south?" Kael struggled, looking to Reika once more. A slight nod reassured him it was his decision. "We were forced to flee," Kael explained finally. "There.trouble in our homeland. Kiran didn't press further, but his expression remained thoughtful. 'You'll find that the desert doesn't care about your past. Only your ability to survive matters here." Reika shifted uncomfortably, her mind racing. She couldn't risk revealing who she was—not with Araidne's forces potentially searching for them. The next morning, Kiran approached them as they stood by the well. "If you're going to be here, then you'll help out." He said. "Everyone pulls work in the Light Pack." Kael nodded. "What do we do to help?" Kiran looked him up and down. "You look big. You're going to go with strengthening outer walls. And you—" He turned to Reika, softening. "We won't have you doing a lot in your condition, but you can perhaps look after the kids. She smiled weakly. "I would be happy to." Days then passed, which were blisteringly hard: Kael labored for hours under a scalding sun, moving boulders and fixing walls, while Reika took care of the youngest villagers-their sweet nature earned confidence in the process. And each night back inside the hut, they would be tired yet thankful that the village had been keeping them from harm. "They've been good to us," Reika said one evening wistfully. "But we lie and deceive them each day." "We must," he replied practically, "They'll surely turn us out in the street--or worse over us to Araidne" Reika smiled wryly and rubbed at the hand pressed against her midsection. "I hope at least that our actions will result in right purposes." --- Pity's Sigh The next night he sat by fire with villagers, and that young boy appeared right in the front, approached him carrying a parchment. "Lider, take a look upon this!" Said he, transferring to Kiran. He took an unrolled parchment-the paper grew dark, and Kiran's face went glowing dark-reflecting on what this thing had tossed up-there was a wanted poster carrying two pictures of Viktor and Alfonso on it. "These men," Kiran said slowly, his eyes slitting as he weighed Kael and Reika. "Do you know them?" Reika's heart stopped. She made herself meet Kiran's eyes. "Ne. Should we?" Kiran's gaze held hers for one long, silent moment before he finally shook his head. "Perhaps not. But it would appear the outside world is more unsafe than ever."   Lying on the thin mats villagers had given them that night, Reika leaned in toward him and whispered, "You don't think Viktor and Alfonso made it, do you?" Kael hesitated before saying, "Hope so. If anyone would, they can." She shut her eyes and clamped her teeth in a faltering grip to rid herself of the gnawing feeling which had settled within her chest.