Page 63 of Condemned

Even though she resented Takk saying he didn’t fuck huleons, sometimes, just sometimes, she couldn’t see herself as the equal of humans or mauleons. She supposed she was a pretty awful advocate for herself. Which reminded her of Timin. He’d hated what he’d become. She hated what she... what she used to be, or what she was?

This was too difficult to figure out, she decided. Not now, maybe not ever.

An intersection where the road branched into three paths hove into view. Four signs pointed every which way, including toward them. Ahead were the three passes across the range.

The high road that led from here had been used by the ancient vehicles. People would cruise along to check out the sights below. Most seasons, it was too hazardous for travelers with riding animals.

Reminders of that two-century-old past showed, embedded in this road surface—fractured and melted metal parts from the trucks and cars the satellites had blasted on the day when technology was destroyed. Pistons, springs, hood ornaments, unidentifiable bits, and shattered glass. The day when Quarantine began.

A sad moment. Gone and done with.

She tuned back into the others.

“Get down and put on an extra clothing layer,” Takk commanded, dismounting. “Check the girl for wet clothing. We’ll be in amongst ice and snow by tonight.”

Zo kissed her ear then slid from their florse and helped her down. “Let’s look at you. The coat’s the outer layer so a little dampness on the fur is okay.”

He turned her about, meticulously checking, then pulled a long shirt from his saddlebag, plus heavier pants, socks, and gloves. For her?

Being stoic was her specialty but the care he was taking brought a sting to her eyes, and so she pretended to be fascinated by what lay ahead.

High above, the mountains beckoned—blue-white at the peaks where the snow was already falling.

Avalon wondered what the other side would hold. She must admit, even if only to herself—for telling them would be excruciating—these mauleons had a place in her heart. Improbable as that seemed, how would she survive without them?

“Before we go onward!”

What was this? She turned to Zo because he was the one speaking, addressing them as if he had some great announcement.

“Avalon, we all bought something for you in town. Something we felt was appropriate. Since the land after this will be inhospitable, here seems a good time to do this.”

Uncomfortable, she eyed him, folding her arms. Why would anyone, even these mauleons, give her anything? It made her feel weird and edgy. Where was the trick?

“Here is mine.” From behind his back, Zo whisked a cream package wrapped in ribbon.

As she hesitated, Kondio approached carrying a box wrapped in white paper with berries dotted on it.

“Me too.” Slipping a red box from his saddlebags, Timin approached from the right.

“Thank you,” she said softly, looking from one to the other, her brow wrinkling. Best to say her thanks now before she opened anything. How could they know what she liked?

It’s the thought that counts.Those words of her aunt’s snaked into her mind. For once, she probably spoke the truth. Whatever they gave her meant something important.

Captain Takk had mounted his florse, and he trotted up beside Timin and leaned forward.

“Stop. No, this is not the time for gifts. I saw what most of you bought and it’s not appropriate. We have a deal with Omage. That is still happening. I have never changed my position on that.”

“You bought her a gift,” Kondio pointed out.

“My new dildos are not in the same vein. They are still mine. Fucking her is just fucking her.”

Why had she thought this good? Feeling as if she’d been struck, Avalon shrank backward and found Zo’s hands at her shoulders. He stepped up beside her.

“What if we keep her?”

“Keeping her is unsafe.” Looking frustrated, Takk drew finger and thumb down the bridge of his nose. “Leave it be.”

“But...” Zo said mirthlessly. “I can tell you’re considering it.”