Anton Anderson - The Seekers - Soul Ties

«Do you like it? I’ve spent ages making it!» the trader said.

«You’re also a crafter? It’s definitely unusual and kinda cool, yeah, but I can’t look down in this thing, and I would immediately ruin it in my smithy.»

She looked at herself in a mirror – a crazy-looking freak stared back at her, smiling and giggling.

«You definitely shouldn’t take it to the smithy. You can wear it in your free time.»

At first, Iskrila wanted to refuse. Why would she need such a thing? Even if she was careful, just for how long would its beauty survive? But there was something cool in that freak that looked back at her from the mirror. Something unusual and wild.

«How much?» the words escaped her mouth.

«Fifteen gold.»

«Fifteen gold!» Iskrila wanted to yell. She could feed herself for several months for that much money! She could buy a full set of clothes! She… What, what «she»? This bow-knot was a work of art, and the trader clearly spent a lot of time and skill making it. She wanted to buy it! It was so beautiful and strange. What else would she do with her money? Why shouldn’t she spend it?

«This is a piece of art, so, here!» Iskrila was relieved to find enough gold and silver in her bag. «You did a great job!»

The trader snickered. «Thank you for your kind words, mistress. Please don’t worry – it may look fragile, but if you were to wear it gently, then it would prove strong enough to wear for years to come. You’ll see!»

Iskrila thanked her again and went home. Walking in this thing proved to be bizarre. The bow-knot was constantly putting pressure on her chin. With her every move, the fabric was rustling, scaring her shitless that she was crumpling it. But at the same time, it was so cool! No one else had anything like that. She couldn’t wait to show it to Sabiri!

Having finally reached home, Iskrila carefully took her gorgeous bow-knot off, put it away from harm on one of the shelves, then got to work. Quietly humming one of Edweena’s songs, she started to work. After starting the fire in her stove, she sharpened a knife and divided that wonderful pink meat into two huge portions. It was riddled with threads of white fat that would’ve cut easily even by the dullest of blades, but Iskrila liked her knives sharp. She made a few deep cuts and stuffed them with herbs that were teasing her nostrils already. Anticipating how delicious it would smell, Iskrila put their future lunch deep inside the stove. Every few minutes she collected the juice produced by sizzling meat and poured it over the cooking dish.

When the aroma started to become impossible to resist, the door swung open. With her heart racing with joy, Iskrila dropped her spoon and rushed to greet the visitor.

«Glad to see you too,» exhaled Sabiri as Iskrila flung at her with an embrace.

For a few more seconds, Iskrila refused to let go of her strong and warm body, listening to Sabiri’s heartbeat.

«It’s wonderful that you’re okay!» Iskrila let Sabiri go and looked at her face.

Sabiri was beaming with happiness back at her. «Sorry I’m a day late. I’ll tell you everything.»

«Before you do this, look!»

Excited to show off the beauty, Iskrila rushed towards the shelf, quickly put the bow-knot on, then turned around towards Sabiri.

«I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it! Isn’t it beautiful?»

That wide smile on Sabiri’s face! That half-opened mouth as she was looking for the words… Iskrila was so thrilled she’d bought it. She would give all the money in the world to bring Sabiri such delight! To make her smile! To make her laugh!

Sabiri finally exhaled. «That’s… That’s gorgeous! Can I touch it?»

After hearing «Of course,» she ran to wash her hands, then carefully approached Iskrila. A gentle touch. A feeling of Sabiri’s finger moving across the fabric, feeling its fine texture. A pair of eyes, staring at the beauty. A face, beaming with joy. It is the best day ever, Iskrila thought.

«Wow.» The word escaped Sabiri’s mouth. «I’ve never seen anything like this! I’ve never felt fabric so thin, so light and smooth. It’s amazing! Where did you find it?»

«Just bought it from one of the traders.» Iskrila also reached to feel the fabric. «Actually, I never cared to learn her name. I’ll fix that.»

«Can’t believe we have a crafter like this! Do keep it safe.»

The next half hour flew by unnoticed. The meat was probably as delicious as it looked and smelled, but none of them had noticed that, being all too busy looking in each other’s eyes and savoring Sabiri’s tale. Impressed with Sabiri’s agility and strength, intrigued and puzzled by the trespasser’s true intent, Iskrila drew herself deep in thoughts and fantasies about yesterday’s events. But Sabiri cut her daydream short.

«By the way,» she said, her claw seeking a piece of meat that was stuck between her teeth, «I didn’t come alone. Two Vapor strategists tagged along. One of them, Amber, had a good idea. We’ve made a lot of weapons and armor, but not for the healers. She thinks we should arm them as well, just in case, and I agree. Some of them might already have some gear, but the rest – »

Iskrila interrupted her. «Lemme guess – you want me to rush more gear for them. Alright, I’ll do it.»

«We won’t send them up front, but some simple armor and swords should be both mobile enough – »

« – and not too hard to gain some proficiency, to train together and become a unit, effective and united,» Iskrila finished Sabiri’s thought.

The enchanting effect of Sabiri’s safe return disappeared at once, replaced by the uncontrollable urge to do whatever she possibly could for her. In an instant, Iskrila recalled what supplies they had left, how many spare hands could do the job, how many pieces of gear she needed to make.

«We’ve got just a week left.» Iskrila suddenly stood up. «I need to start right away. Will you clean up?»

Sabiri smiled. «Of course I will. What a strange question?»

Iskrila was about to open the door, but something stopped her. The bow-knot! She went back and put it on. This time, it wasn’t so bizarre a feeling, but it was still so cool!

«Don’t ruin it in the smithy!» Sabiri said.

«I won’t!»

The door closed, leaving Sabiri alone. From out the window she watched Iskrila hurrying away, ready to carry on her request. Was she worthy of Iskrila’s efforts? Was she willing to do as much for her? Sabiri felt she knew the answer, but could she do the same for the whole village?

Left alone, Sabiri wondered what to do next. She had already reported to Star, so now she was free to do whatever she wanted. Whatever she wanted… What a joke! The battle was just a week ahead, so there was no time to relax!

Yet, Sabiri remained motionless. The strategists she brought, Amber and Risha, had reminded her of everything she hated about the plan. They were so certain, so calculating, so hopeful to minimize the casualties. Yet every word they’d said had made her flinch inside. It was so impossible! So many things could go wrong! Why would Drowners play along? Why would wildlife (or some stupid magic) not screw up their plans? How could a generation of igni that had never seen a battle do what was required?

Feeling incredibly shitty, Sabiri threw away the idea of joining the discussions of tactics that was taking place at Haileen’s. She hadn’t taken a bath the previous day, wanting to return to Iskrila as fast as possible, so she decided to have one. And when she would be clean herself, she could clean the house. And after that… After that she would find some excuse for herself. Something that would allow her to dodge her responsibilities.