Page 12 of For the Strange and Surprising

“Where is that?”

They both paused in their steps, probably staring at me, but I couldn’t say while I’m staring at the ceiling, begging the wood and water to give me the answers they seek.

I sigh as I inquire, “Tampa, Florida? The United States? North America? Earth?”

“Earth is familiar, but I can’t place why.” Talodus cuts his eyes to Ecaeris, and I almost gasp at the clear blue depths of his irises.

“That’s where my mother is from,” the prince whispers.

4

Adelaide

I stay quiet as they spout off conspiracy theories about why I’m here and how I got to the island. I have no idea, so I don’t make any suggestions. And I don’t so much as glance at my arm again until I’m seated in what they called the medical bay.

It would be a mistake to assess it now.

The lighting is much better in this... series of rooms. It feels similar to what a Neolithic hospital should look like. I haven’t been in any of the other rooms, but the first one we came to when we opened the door seems to be a waiting area.

I’ve had my ass planted on this rustic-looking chair for all of two minutes when Talodus stomps into the hallway, calling for Imryll. I’m assuming that’s the doctor, but I don’t bother asking because no one has answered any of my questions yet.

The older man from my delirium-induced dream pops into my mind, and I start to get twitchy. I know I can live with only one kidney; that’s not the issue. The rusty kitchen knife part is what I’m really hung up on.

That isn’t who follows behind the burly, bearded, and blonde guard, though.

The man with him is exotic. His olive complexion reminds me of a Korean or Brazilian ethnicity, though neither feels quite right. Grass-green irises illuminate his face. Then his eyes narrow as Talodus tells him about my arm.

He’s by my side before I can register that he’s moved at all. “Let me see, please.”

I hold my right arm out, averting my gaze, so I don’t have to see it anymore.

“Looks good, right?” I joke, trying to distract myself again.

His pupils have blown wide, but that’s the only outward sign that my wound is not good. His tone is soft as he observes me. “What happened?”

“She has no idea,” Ecaeris responds for me.

I want to chew him out over it, but I’m actually kind of thankful. Imryll, the medic, is touching my arm. Each time I feel a pinch or pull, a pain shoots from my fingertips to my shoulder, and white stars burst in my vision. I roll my lips in and bite at them.

He stands, offering me a hand. I aim to shake it, thinking someone has the manners to introduce themselves. But no. He tugs me up, nodding his head toward the hall.

“I can stitch you up and give you a proper exam in there. The second room on the left.”

I study the three Mongrels for a full thirty seconds before I hear my mind shatter. Literally, I hear the glass box around my internal filter fall away into a million tiny shards. It was already cracked while I was with the prince… But now it’s nothing. Just dust at my feet.

“Hi,” I say sarcastically. “I’m Ada. It’s nice to meet you, stranger-who-I-don't-know-who-wants-me-to-walk-down-an-unknown-hallway. So kind of you to introduce yourself. Do all Mongrels learn their manners from the same place, or did I just get lucky and meet three men who don’t know how to utter their own names?”

I smile bitterly and keep going, tossing my thumb at Ecaeris. “I’ve already been led down—and bled through—four dozen corridors and hallways since I met this asshole. Not once did he stop to at least let me know that he wasn’t some pervert or serial killer taking me to a dark corner to cut out my kidney. If his mother hadn’t said his name, then I still wouldn’t know it.

“And this one?” I point to Talodus. “Well, I guess he’s all right. I only know his name—and yours—because the asshole mentioned them. He’s meant to be the escort. Why would we need an escort, you might ask? I have no fucking idea. Yet another thing that was overlooked in the introductory period alongside his name and where the hell I am.

“So, who are you? What’s in the room? And where can I get some fucking water to drink?”

Someone scoffs, and I’m assuming it’s Ecaeris because the next thing I hear is Talodus chuckling as he whispers, “She’s not wrong. You are an asshole.”

The medic clears his throat to gain my attention. “I’m Imryll Stoneheart, and I’m a doctor. One of three in the Mongrel’s tribe. The room in question has a sterile table and tools to stitch your arm up. If you would prefer, I can take care of it out here. But I can’t guarantee that others won’t walk in.”

“Are you done with your tantrum?” Ecaeris asks, grinning at me like this is all hilarious to him.