Amazonia by Sky Croft Read Free Book Online Page A

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.
    Shale felt eyes on her, and
     glanced to Blake, who was looking at her oddly, head tilted slightly in
     thought.
    Blake abruptly stood, excused
     herself, and left the lodge.
    Shale frowned, wondering what
     that was about. She focussed on the others, grateful that Kale was taking
     care of most of their side of the conversation. Kale was answering the
     inquisitive questions patiently, and asking a few of her own.
    A short while later, Blake
     re-entered, and placed a bowl full of hot soup in front of Shale.
    Shale was surprised. She
     hadn’t thought she was that obvious. From the confusion on the others’
     faces, she was certain that no one else had noticed. Blake was either very
     observant, or was giving her extra attention. Shale smiled up at her.
     “Thank you.”
    Blake squeezed her shoulder,
     then returned to her seat.
    Shale received an even
     sharper glare from Melaina, but she didn’t know why. Surely it should have
     pleased Melaina to know that she was in pain as a result of their fight.
     She dismissed it and dug into her soup, the liquid sliding down her throat
     effortlessly. She gave Blake another smile.
    For the whole evening, Kale
     was a model Amazon, as Shale knew she could be, and kept everyone
     entertained with stories of their old tribe.
    Shale listened with a wistful
     expression, prompting Kale whenever she left something out.
    When it was time to leave,
     Shale paused outside, at the bottom of the steps. She dropped her voice to
     speak to Kale. “I’ll see you later at camp.”
    “Why? Where are you going?”
    “I’m going to walk Blake back
     to her cabin.”
    “How gallant of you.”
    Shale chose to ignore