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  Shale nodded in relief, her estimation of her new leader rising considerably. Aris seemed fair, and Shale idly wondered how she’d react if she knew about Melaina’s threats. Not that Shale would ever tell her. Aris might be fully aware of Melaina’s actions, though Shale doubted it. If Melaina was as devious as Shale suspected, she would be quite dangerous. They needed to keep their distance.

  “Are you all right to spar after Kale?” Aris asked, as the fight was about to begin.

  “Yes,” Shale replied.

  “Hi,” Anikett said, appearing out of nowhere.

  Shale smiled at the young woman. “How’s your nose?”

  Anikett giggled. “Much better.”

  It went quiet, then Tryphosa threw the first punch, causing the circle of warriors to hoot and holler. Shale knew that if Kale wanted to, she could’ve put Tryphosa down after that first move, but she didn’t, seemingly remembering Shale’s earlier words about trying to fit in. Kale let several more mistakes go by her before nailing Tryphosa with a right hook to her jaw.

  “She should’ve kept her arm up,” Anikett mumbled, grinning when a humorous look crossed Shale’s face.

  “All right, stop,” Aris ordered, clearly recognising Kale was high above the standard level. “Tryphosa, you’re out.” She searched the crowd for a moment. “Herona, you’re in.”

  While Herona made her way forward, Aris focussed on Shale. “Who’s better, you or Kale?”

  “We’re equal.”

  The fight began, and Shale noted that Herona was a lot closer in skill. Kale took a couple of blows, one to the face, and another to her midsection, before she was able to put Herona down with an elbow to the jaw.

  “Nice,” Aris complimented loudly, as Herona was pulled to her feet by Kale. “Well done.” She glanced around. “Amber, you’re in.”

  Shale heard the warriors surrounding her murmur excitedly. “Is Amber your best fighter?”

  “She’s one of them,” Aris said.

  “Who’s the best?” Shale watched as a pretty red-head passed by her, her curly auburn hair bouncing with each step.

  “Melaina, why?”

  Figures. Shale had to hold back her frown. So much for keeping away from her. Melaina now had the perfect opportunity to show them that she was in charge, and Shale suspected she wouldn’t fight fair.

  Aris smirked. “You think you’re that good?”

  “I guess we’ll soon find out.” She could tell Kale was holding back, carefully controlled. “Do your warriors fight without restraint?”

  “When we spar in the ring, yes. Was it different in your tribe?”

  “It had to be stated in ours.”

  Aris spoke up quickly, “Kale, no restraint.”

  Shale immediately saw the shift as Kale released herself, now able to fully let go.

  Kale attacked in a flurry of motion, and Amber, who was a brilliant fighter, had to back up swiftly to avoid getting hit.

  Most of the village was now watching, it wasn’t just the warriors anymore. The event had drawn a large crowd, and the circle surrounding the fighters grew, giving them more space.

  Shale was impressed by Amber’s skill and technique, but she knew Kale had the upper hand. They traded blows, kicks, and blocks for quite some time before Kale found the opening she needed. Snapping her leg out, Kale connected solidly with the side of Amber’s head, causing her to fall heavily. Kale waited, then dropped down beside her.

  From the sidelines, Shale could hear their conversation. “Are you all right?” Kale asked.

  Amber sat up, holding her head on one side. “That’s quite a kick you’ve got there.” She opened her jaw and closed it again. “Ow.”

  “You gave me a good fight,” Kale said. She offered her hand and helped Amber to her feet.

  “Kale, you’re out too,” Aris shouted to her.

  “Thank the gods,” Kale murmured. “I was about to collapse.”

  Amber sniggered. “Tired you out, did I?”

  “You certainly did,” Kale said. Amber was hesitant in letting go of Kale’s hand, seemingly still off balance. “Do you want some help?”

  Amber looked grateful. “Please.”

  “Do you want me to carry you?”

  “No!” She paused. “You can do that?”

  Kale shrugged. “Sure.” She wound an arm around Amber’s waist to help steady her. As Amber was nearly the same height, their eyes locked. “How’s this?”

  Amber smiled impishly. “Don’t go getting any ideas, I’m an injured woman.”

  Kale laughed. “Don’t worry, you’re safe with me.”

  “Says the woman who just kicked me in the head,” Amber said, gripping Kale’s shoulder as they walked forward.

  Kale was still laughing. “Good point.” She nodded to Shale as she passed, it was her turn to fight. “Who will Shale be up against?”

  “If she’s anything like you, the best.”

  “She is.”

  “It’ll be Melaina then, though Aris will probably start her on Anataeus or Lathana first to make sure she’s up to it.”

  Aris spoke up as they neared. “That was impressive.”

  “Next time, Aris, please wait till after my turn before telling her to use no restraint,” Amber joked good-naturedly.

  Aris grinned and clapped her on the back. “Noted.” She pointed to another warrior, then gestured to the ring.

  “That was quite a show,” Blake said, appearing from beside Aris. “Kale, you are skilled indeed.”

  “Thank you, Princess.”

  “That was a nasty blow, Amber,” Blake said. “Are you all right?”

  Amber still leaned on Kale. “I’m a bit unsteady, but it’ll wear off.”

  “I’ll take you to your cabin.” Blake stepped closer and took hold of Amber securely.

  “All right, but not just yet, Blake.” Amber looked eagerly back to the ring. “First, I’ve got to see this fight.”

  Blake shook her head in disbelief. “Warriors.”

  Now that Blake was supporting Amber, Kale dropped her arm and moved away slightly, focussing once again on Shale.

  The crowd around them was growing excited, the anticipation building to near breaking point.

  “That’s Lathana,” Amber told Kale, as a medium sized, well-muscled brunette entered the ring.

  Kale nodded in response, but didn’t take her eyes off Shale.

  The fight began, and the crowd stood transfixed. The swift and fierce movements were quite beautiful, though it was a deadly dance.

  Shale didn’t hesitate, she couldn’t afford to draw this out, not if Melaina was going to be as difficult as she expected her to be. Shale felt a couple of Lathana’s blows hit home, but they didn’t slow her, she used the pain to drive her on. Finally, a jab followed by a hook threw Lathana off balance, and a well placed push-kick to her side sent her sprawling to the ground.

  Shale could have made it a lot worse, but gave Lathana the less painful option. When Lathana bounded to her feet, Shale thought she was going to regret the mercy she had shown, but Lathana merely laughed and held out her arm. “Thanks for not busting my ribs.”

  Shale clasped her arm, and the women around them clapped their approval.

  Lathana lowered her voice as Melaina entered the circle. “Watch out for dirt,” she said.

  Lathana had barely left the ring when Melaina attacked. Shale wasn’t even given a chance to catch her breath.

  Shale had to use all of her skills to keep Melaina at bay. Melaina connected first with a savage uppercut that caused Shale’s head to snap back. She shook her head to try and clear her swimming vision, feeling as though she’d just been struck with a rock. Melaina certainly looked as solid as rock, but Shale hadn’t actually expected her to feel like one.

  Shale jumped back, narrowly missing another punch. She dodged around Melaina, willing her eyes to regain their focus. When she was able to see properly again, Shale noticed that Melaina’s main strength was also her weakness. Mel
aina had a lot of power, but her bulkier frame also slowed her speed. If Melaina were to strike her a few times, Shale knew she would fall, but Melaina wasn’t as fast as Shale was, and couldn’t get in the blows she needed.

  Shale delivered a roundhouse to Melaina’s skull, and still she kept coming. Two more direct hits made Melaina stumble, though she remained standing. Shale was beginning to tire, but managed to maintain her pace. Her backhand caught Melaina off guard, and Shale put her down with a hook.

  All in all, things hadn’t gone too badly. In fact, bar a headache, she wasn’t much worse off than when she’d entered the ring. Shale was quite pleased with herself. Maybe now Melaina would back off, knowing that she wasn’t unbeatable.

  Despite her intense dislike of Melaina, Shale still offered her hand, remembering too late about Lathana’s warning. A handful of dirt was tossed into her eyes, blinding her momentarily.

  Melaina took full advantage and kicked Shale in the stomach, causing her to double over. She then rammed her knee into Shale’s face, and Shale fell to the ground.

  She heard Aris’s voice on the sidelines, who was having to hold Kale back. “Kale, don’t,” Aris said.

  “Is she allowed to do that?” Blake asked, stepping forward.

  “It’s no restraint,” Aris replied. “She can do what she wants.”

  “But what she did doesn’t seem fair.”

  “It wasn’t,” Amber muttered.

  “Battle isn’t fair,” Aris said. “The enemy won’t show mercy.”

  Amber pointed. “She’s getting up.”

  Shale got onto all fours, but another kick to her stomach sent her down again.

  “That’s it, I’m stopping this.” Blake began to move.

  “Wait,” Kale said. “Just watch this.”

  The confidence in Kale’s voice stopped Blake in midstride.

  Shale managed to get to her feet. When Melaina threw a punch, Shale caught it in her fist. She then brought her head forward sharply, and head-butted Melaina square on. Blood erupted from Melaina’s nose, and she fell to her knees. Shale raised her arm to strike again, but let it drop, she was above that.

  No one clapped this time, no one dared. Melaina was their second in command, and no warrior wanted to get on the wrong side of her. Shale also showed compassion, where Melaina had none.

  Blake looked to Kale in awe. “How did you know?”

  Kale started toward Shale. “It’s a twin thing.”

  SHALE WAS STILL brushing the dirt out of her eyes when Kale reached her.

  “That was a dirty trick,” Kale said, wiping some muck off Shale’s face.

  “Mm,” Shale agreed. “Lathana warned me, I should’ve seen it coming.”

  “She did, huh? Maybe we’re not as disliked as we thought?”

  Shale glanced around. They were still being glared at, though now it was with a wariness that wasn’t there before. “I wouldn’t go that far. Lathana was just thankful I didn’t crack her ribs.”

  “So I noticed. It was a risk not taking her out completely.”

  “I know, but it worked out. Let’s hope it gets us into favor with some of the warriors. We’ll need it now, Melaina’s going to be a real bitch.”

  Kale looked thoughtful. “It’s a good thing it was you out there then, ‘cause I’d have cracked her ribs.”

  Shale had known that, which was why it had been such a gamble. If she’d been wrong, Kale would have lectured her on it for days. She knew Kale was just watching out for her though, Kale didn’t want her to get hurt.

  “A little compassion goes a long way, Kale,” Blake said, stopping in front of them, Amber still beside her.

  “Compassion can get you killed,” Kale replied curtly.

  “Or it can save a life. Or at the very least pain.”

  Kale snorted. “I’d rather they be in pain, as to me lying dead.”

  “Kale—” Shale was cut off.

  “No, it’s all right, Shale. Kale is entitled to her opinion. I know a lot of warriors think that way, though I’m pleased to see that not all do.” Blake smiled pointedly at Shale, who immediately returned it.

  “I wonder if you’ll think that when she’s dead.”

  Shale glared at her, Kale could be so awkward at times. She didn’t know what was wrong with her lately. Kale wasn’t only being rude, she was deliberately being argumentative. Shale wasn’t surprised when Blake narrowed her eyes, she imagined the princess wasn’t used to being spoken to like that.

  “I thought you of all people would be grateful for compassion, Kale,” Blake said.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because if our queen hadn’t shown you some, you’d be in our jail right now,” Blake said firmly.

  Kale was breathing hard, but she didn’t reply. She grabbed Shale’s forearm and pulled her away, leaving a fuming Blake behind them.

  Shale didn’t resist, wanting to get Kale out of this situation before things got worse. After a few steps, she yanked herself free, shaking her head at Kale as she did so.

  “BLAKE?” AMBER TOUCHED her back to get her attention.

  Blake was still frowning when she looked at her good friend. “Yes, Amber?”

  “What in Gaia’s name did you do to her?”

  “I have no idea. I’ve barely spoken to her. I’ve spent more time with Shale than her.” As soon as she said the words, things became clear. “Of course. She’s jealous.” That explained everything. If Kale was used to having Shale solely to herself, Blake’s sudden presence would make Kale feel threatened. Perhaps that was why Kale was being so difficult, and was also insisting on ignoring her request to be addressed informally, by her birth name. It annoyed her, but she was doing her best not to let it show.

  “Maybe she feels left out,” Amber said. “They seem pretty close.”

  “You’re right.” Blake nodded. “I’ll make more of an effort to include her.” She silently hoped that would solve whatever problem Kale had with her.

  “WHAT HAS GOT into you, Kale?” Shale was still shaking her head as they headed back to camp.

  “Me?”

  “You’re being really rude to Blake.”

  Kale rolled her eyes. She’d pulled Shale away from Blake intentionally, as she hadn’t liked how they were looking at each other. She could see their joint attraction clearly. Blake’s rank of princess made things more difficult, but princess or not, Kale wasn’t going to allow her to become involved with Shale. “You’re exaggerating.”

  “Well if Blake decides to punish you, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Chapter Three

  “NOW, KALE—”

  “Shale, not again, you’ve already told me five times.”

  “And I’m telling you again. To be invited to dinner with the queen and her counsel is a great honor, treat it as such. Hold your tongue.”

  “I know how to act, Shale. I am the elder of us, remember?”

  “Only because you were as impatient in the womb as you are in life.” They left the sanctuary of the trees and entered the village.

  “You’re just sore that I beat you out,” Kale goaded.

  “So you keep telling me.” Shale headed for the main lodge, excited at the notion of seeing Blake again. She kept it to herself though.

  Surprisingly, Blake opened the door when Kale knocked. Shale had expected anyone but royalty to let them in. Evidently, Blake didn’t think such menial tasks were beneath her, and greeted them both with a smile.

  Blake scanned Shale’s bruised face. “That looks painful.”

  “That’s the princess’s polite way of saying you look like horse dung,” Kale said.

  A slight furrow appeared between Blake’s eyebrows. “That’s not what I was saying at all. Are you all right, Shale? I didn’t get a chance to ask you earlier.”

  “I’m fine, Blake. Thank you for your concern.”

  Blake nodded, and moved aside so they could enter.

  Shale saw that the table was all but full, only three sp
aces remained. “We’re not late, are we?” she whispered to Blake anxiously.

  “No,” Blake assured. “Everyone else was early.” She gestured to the two seats next to each other. “Please.”

  They sat as Blake took her own seat, directly opposite Shale.

  Queen Zayla, who was at the head of the table, in between Blake and Shale, introduced everyone.

  Shale tried to make note of all their names, the only people she knew were Aris and Melaina.

  Melaina was eyeing her bruises smugly, but Shale didn’t let it bother her. Not only had she won, but Melaina was sporting a few good bruises of Shale’s own creation.

  Once the introductions were complete, the food was passed around. Shale didn’t take much, unlike Kale, who filled her plate.

  Shale was glad she hadn’t when she took a careful bite of the bread. It was pleasant enough, but the chewing motion made needles of pain shoot up her jaw. She’d expected that, her face hurt when she talked, so she knew it would be worse when she ate. Despite her discomfort, Shale kept eating, not wanting her hosts to think she was rude. She stuck mostly to bread, which she found ironic. It wasn’t everyday Shale was treated to such a feast, and now that she had been, that simple food was all she could manage.

  Shale took the time to examine the inside of the lodge. She had been preoccupied on her first visit here, and hadn’t taken much in. The room was sparse, the only furniture being the table and chairs. The walls, however, were full. The wall behind her was lined with weapons, and the one opposite was filled with impressive artefacts, gold trinkets, and rare stones, all spread over several shelves. The other walls were covered in animal skins and large furs.

  Shale thought it was somewhat overstated, but recognised the reasoning behind it. As the main lodge, it would house many important meetings, and both guests and enemies would be brought here. In the case of enemies, if negotiating, it was vital to show a strong and capable tribe. An enemy would be much more likely to attack if they thought the tribe was weak and defenceless. This lodge made the Amazons look as though they wanted for nothing, showing both strength and power. It was a clever tactic, and Shale found her respect for the queen growing.