Free Amazonia by Sky Croft Page A

just stating an
     observation.”
    “Mm-hmm.”
    “No, truly, I’m glad. There
     will be no interruptions.”
    Blake raised an inquisitive
     brow. “And what exactly will we be doing that you don’t want interrupted?”
    Shale colored slightly, but
     joined in with Blake’s banter. “You tell me, you’re the princess. I’m just
     here to serve.”
    Blake ran her thumb over the
     back of Shale’s hand. “I like the sound of that.”
    Shale cleared her throat
     self-consciously, her mind so focussed on Blake’s soft stroking that she
     nearly walked headlong into a low branch.
    “Careful there,” Blake said,
     her amusement clear.
    Shale’s body was getting
     overheated, and it wasn’t from the noon sun. She wondered about diving
     into the lake, she really needed to cool off.
    Blake pointed. “There it is.”
     The lake was calm, and the surrounding trees reflected perfectly off its
     still surface.
    “Race you.” Shale let go of
     Blake’s hand and dashed toward the lake.
    “That’s cheating!” Blake
     yelled, as she sprinted after her.
    They jumped into the lake
     fully clothed, but only Blake resurfaced.
    “Very funny, Shale.” Blake
     looked around to try and spot her. The water was still rippling from their
     entrance, and there was no sign of Shale.
    After several moments, Blake
     said, “Shale, come on now.” She treaded water for another instant, then
     swam toward where Shale had dived in. “Shale?” Blake called, her voice
     growing frantic. “Shale!”
    A hand suddenly tugged on her
     ankle, and Blake submerged briefly. She came up spluttering, scowling at
     Shale, who was looking far too pleased with herself.
    “I’m going to get you for
     that.”
    “You’ve got to catch me
     first.” Shale took off, swimming through the water like a fish.
    Blake chased her
     relentlessly, their laughter mingling as they splashed each other.

    SHALE LAY ON a large slab of
     rock, stretched out on her back, the sun drying both her and her clothes.
     “Blake?”
    “Yes, Shale?”
    “I know this sounds awful,
     but I’m really glad I met you.”
    “Why’s that awful?”
    “Because I wouldn’t have met
     you if my tribe hadn’t been killed. We’d have never crossed paths, and I’m
     pleased that we did.”
    “I am, too.” Blake turned
     over on her front to let her back dry, smiling when Shale pushed a lock of
     blonde hair off her face. “Shale?”
    “Hmm?”
    “Can we stay here a bit
     longer?” Blake looked skyward, trying to see the position of the sun.
    “We can stay as long as you
     want.” Shale didn’t want this day to end.
    Blake squeezed Shale’s hand,
     which was entwined with her own.

    THEY REACHED THE village
     earlier than Blake expected, the sun, though low, was still present.
     They'd made good time. They didn't leave the lake till late afternoon, and
     only did so because it would be difficult to navigate the terrain in the
     dark.
    Both women had wanted to stay
     the night, but knew it wasn’t possible. If Blake didn’t return, half of
     the tribe would be out searching for her, and if Shale didn’t, Kale would
     come looking for her also.
    They had barely entered the
     village when a red-faced woman came storming over, her furious gaze
     directed firmly on Shale.
    “How dare you say those
     things to Payleus!” she said loudly, drawing intrigued glances from nearby
     Amazons.
    Blake spoke up quickly,
     “Mnaesa, what are you talking about?”
    “Her.” Mnaesa pointed at
     Shale. “She insulted Payleus, she’s over there crying as we speak.” She gestured
     toward the cabins.
    “Mnaesa, I assure you, Shale
     did no such thing. She’s been with me all day.”
    “Kale,” Shale muttered. “What
     did she say?”
    Mnaesa glared at her. “As if
     you don’t know.”
    “How could she?” Blake raised
     her voice a notch. “Shale was with me.”
    “Oh.” Mnaesa paused briefly.
     “Well Kale called Payleus fat, and said she looked like a