Panter's Pride:
Hunted
by T. S. Hubbard
Disclaimer It's still mine. Note: Panter's Pride must be read first, as this is book 2.
Thanks to Thorie for volunteering to proofread yet another story.
Email address: thubbar2@insight.rr.com.- comments welcome.
Chapter Five
Panter tapped a pen on the table's edge as she listened idly to the final counts of all the supplies that they would be taking with them. Her mind was still dwelling on last night's episode. Someone clearing their throat had her glancing up in bemusement. She hid her amusement at the look of impatience on Akil's face.
" Did you even hear what I just said?" he asked impatiently.
Panter thanked her Goddess silently when she could truthfully reply that she had. They had finally received some reports from the scouting parties she had sent out. For some reason the forces advancing on Hawk's Peak had slowed then abruptly stopped about ten days out. Even before this development their time had been growing short. Only with people working in shifts had they gotten to this point of readiness. As it was they would need to depart in less then a day to be far enough out to be an effective deterrent to the approaching army.
"You just said that the militia was sufficiently armored and we have managed to get enough horses to outfit our troops, correct?" she asked blandly.
Akil shuffled the papers in front of himself restlessly." Correct, Arms Master" He relaxed when the smile broke the seriousness' of Panter's face. Sometimes he couldn't tell when she was jesting and when she wasn't.
"Good, are all the units assigned a healer and cook wagon?" Armies worked better with food in their stomach and having a healer goes without saying. With this being the first real battle she had ever orchestrated and the added stress of it dealing almost directly with her mate she was determined to be as ready as possible.
" Yes, also the two person shelters are being packed as we speak, are you certain you don't wish for the bonded to be put into different units?" Akil wasn't sure if keeping married couples together was a good idea.
Panter rose to her feet and moving to a window watched the controlled chaos below. "I understand why you're asking Akil," She turned and leaned back onto the windows sill. "As your not bonded yourself you might not realize how much more ferociously you will fight if there is danger to you or your partner."
The rest of the leaders in the room stilled as Akil's face flushed. " I might not be bonded but I am aware of how it is to want to protect what you cherish" he replied in a lower voice then normal.
"I apologize if I was out of line Akil, I meant no offence"
Akil shook his head. "I am not upset, you could not have known"
"Then you know that it is better for the bonded to be together, then to have their minds on what is happening to their spouse if they were placed in another unit. I need to have them focused on the enemy in front of them. Of the choices I believe this to be the better of the two." Panter could not willingly ask their people to do something she herself wouldn't do.
A murmur of agreement from the group seemed to reinforce Panter's words. Akil lowered his gaze then momentarily met Panter's. "As you wish Arms Master" With that the subject was dropped as they moved onto other more pressing matters.
*******
Thira's hand stilled on the top of the crate she had been about to load onto a supply wagon. Even with the mass of people around her finishing up the final preparations a familiar scent drew her attention. She caught herself as she automatically tried to search out its owner.
No!! She reminded herself. She is just like the others .A human could never truly understand us. It is better to know that now then find it out too late.
Thira shook her head as something inside whispered that Panter had a mate that understood; perhaps she had been too hasty. She growled in frustration as she grabbed the crate, lifting it with ease and shoving it on the wagon. Brushing her hands off she looked around; she needed to rid herself of this excess energy. Trying to keep her distance from Alesia was proving to be more difficult then she had imagined. Spotting two women struggling with a large barrel she walked over and offered her assistance.
She had been leery of working with these people but it was turning out to not be as bad as she had feared. Maybe with Panter around they had gotten used to someone being so different.
"May I help?"
Both women hesitated then step back. The younger one glanced at the other then smiled. "Sure, but its quite heavy" Their eyes widened as Thira effortlessly picked up the barrel moving to add it to the wagons burden.
"That was no problem, is there anything else?" Thira suppressed a laugh at the look on their faces. When she got no response, she tried again. " HEY"
The women jumped startled. The younger woman spoke up again. "Sorry, that was just something to see. Yes, we do have a few more things we could use your help with, if you would just follow us."
Thira smirked behind their backs as she trailed along behind. Maybe she wouldn't be as bored as she thought.
***********
Alesia mingled with fellow scouts as they headed toward the last meeting before their departure the next day. The units had been formed up last night and everyone had been notified of their positions. She was in charge of the scouting sections that were to join Panters main group. She hadn't been really surprised, it seemed as if Panter wanted the best to help keep her spouse safe from harm. Everybody was careful not to say, but was sure that Tera knew and had chosen to not say anything about it.
Alesia listened idly to the conversation but blocked out most of it. She had other things that were occupying her thoughts at the moment. They had for some time. She jerked to a halt as the group came to a sudden stop.
"Would you look at that hot piece of woman. She could keep me company anytime." One of the scouts exclaimed. Wolf whistles from the others seemed to support the sentiment.
Alesia glanced over at the form drawing such avid attention and winced.
It was Thira. Any words she was about to say died when Thira took off her shirt and tossed it onto a nearby railing leaving her clad in only a breast wrap. Alesia watched in silence as she pulled her hair back into a loose tail and turned toward the two women she had been talking too. Murmurs of admiration echoed her feelings at the tattoo that traveled from her hairline, down her spine and disappeared below the waist of her pants. Spots of dark color in various sizes and shapes adorned the firm muscled skin of her back. Something in Alesia's gut told her that it wasn't any kind of "Tattoo".
When Thira glanced back and met Alesia's gaze in a cool stare, she knew it was time to go. "Come on lets go, we have a meeting to get to," she prompted. Her jaw tightened when she was ignored. "At your attention" she yelled. Alesia moved to the front as they automatically responded to the command. A tight-laced group now stood and awaited further orders from their superior.
"Now that the sightseeing is over, we have a fight that we need to get ready for " Alesia paused. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that they had gained an attentive audience. "We don't have time to spend on dalliances with women." She immediately regretted what she said as she caught the small jerk Thira made before she turned and strode away. Alesia sighed. "All right, lets get moving," She shouted. Alesia fell into step as they moved off toward the manor. She would have time to worry about her big screw up later.
****************
Panter felt Tera's grip on her hand tighten as she reached out to shove open the door to Raven's Claw. They had decided to spend this last night before departure with close friends and what better place then said friends' inn. Good food and drink would help both of them and everyone else. She had sent someone to collect Alesia and Thira in case they had decided to ignore the request for their presence. Panter stopped before opening the door. Turning her head she glanced down.
"Are you all right Amare, we can just go home if you wish?" she offered.
Tera shook her head. "This is something we want….no… need to do. After tonight we won't have a chance like this in a long while."
Nodding in agreement Panter pushed the door open. Silence descended as they were recognized when they entered the establishment. No sound or movement came from any of the people seated in the room. Panter noticed many of the soldiers had a similar idea; at least half of the room was packed with them. A sudden voice broke the tension.
"At your Attention" was shouted from behind them.
Panter didn't need to turn to know that their summons had been abided by. The scrap and clatter of benches and chairs filled the air as the militia bolted to their feet. Their right arms crossed their chests with their open palm resting on their left shoulders. They all would stay in that position until they had been ordered to their ease.
Panter stifled a sigh. She noticed Tera had not moved to respond to the salute. Meaning that she was allowing the military leader to have the fuss of being in charge tonight. This would be the last night to just be Panter and Tera. Tomorrow they would cease to exist for some time. The Regent and The Arms Master would be all that was acknowledged by everyone concerned.
Panter saluted back to her soldiers. " At your ease" She watched them relax slightly in their presence. This wouldn't do, not tonight. She needed to fix it.
" For this one night, we are not your superiors. We are all just people spending the last chance for some time with the people that matter. Please return to your seats and continue your visits. Allow us to offer you a drink on the house." She raised a hand. " "But no more then a few drinks, anyone caught drunk will be punished severely. We can't afford to have anyone unable to fight." Panter smirked. " But still have fun" Laughter and cheers followed Panter as she made her way towards the bar. Panter broke into a smile upon seeing it manned by Zeva.
Glancing up Zeva snorted. "Figures it was you causing so much damn commotion"
"Hey now, that hurts my feelings" Panter protested feigning an injured look. It had been far too long between visits with Zeva and her family. They had been sorely missed.
Zeva looked unsure then shook her head. "Bull, you thrive on it and you know it. Admit it, things had gotten far to calm. You were chomping at the bit for a little action."
Panter leaned on the bars edge. Zeva turned away to arrange the free drinks as she pondered on what had been said. Panter frowned as she found that the words did ring true to some extent. In several ways she did need the thrill of the hunt so to speak. But that did not detract from the happiness she experienced with Tera in any way.
When Zeva rejoined her she admitted it. " You're right, there is a part of me that needs that chase. I don't think it is something that will ever go away."
Panter smiled when a voice accompanied the arm that slid around her waist.
"That is something I hope truly never goes away, my love. "
Panter hugged the smaller body closer. " Really, why would you say that?"
"That is something that is part of you. If you tried to change that, you would change the person who I fell in love with. I'm not looking to tame you in any way."
Panter grinned. " In some ways you have." At Tera's worried look she pressed a soft kiss on her forehead in reassurance. " Only good ways Amare. I swear."
Straightening to her full height she scanned the crowded room. " So where did our reluctant dinner partners go to?"
Panter allowed Tera to pull her into the crowd after a hasty exchange of words with Zeva. "They're at our regular table." Tera stated "It seemed a little too quiet when I came to find you."
*****
Alesia shifted in her seat. Just sitting across from Thira had her on edge. With the chill in the air from Thira's indifference it might as well have been the dead of winter. Now that I think about it, winter might be slightly warmer she mused. Just briefly meeting Thira's gaze made her want to shiver. No expression showed on her face or in her cold eyes. It was as if Alesia was not even a mildly interesting bug that just happened to be there. Alesia focused her attention back to the top of their table. She wished Panter and Tera hadn't insisted on her being here. She couldn't take this for much longer. She didn't realize that her hand had risen unconsciously to press at the ache in her chest. Since Alesia wasn't watching she missed the troubled look that crossed Thira's face only to disappear at the appearance of their friends.
Tera slid onto the bench next to Alesia. She met Panter's worried eyes as she sat down across from her beside Thira. Tera nodded faintly then spoke. "Thank you both for showing up. I thought it would be good to get together before everything starts happening tomorrow. I doubt there will be much idle time after we leave here." She smiled at Alesia, trying to lift the heavy air of tension surrounding them even slightly.
"Don't see where you gave a choice in the matter. Seeing how the message was delivered by your private guards." Thira snarled. The sound reeked with hostility. She went to say something else but a glare from Panter cut her short.
Tera met Thira's angry gaze. "If you don't want to be here, then leave."
Thira bolted to her feet. "I will" She started walking away then turned back. "I'm only here to honor my oath to the goddess not to make friends". From one instant to the next she was gone.
Tera pressed her lips together in vexation. She sighed, temporarily dismissing what happened. "What's going on Alesia?"
The server arriving with their food and drinks gave Alesia an extra few moments to consider what answer to give. She played with her fork and poked at her food as she thought. Taking a deep drink of her ale, she savored the burn as it warmed her throat and chest. "My error has been compounding itself." She finally said.
Panter's eyebrows rose in puzzlement until Tera cleared up the ambiguous statement. "You mean what you said regarding what other people would have done about the attack on us?"
"Yes" Alesia pushed her uneaten food aside, pulling her goblet a little closer. "I'm sorry I just can't eat right now," she said in response to Tera's concerned look. "It just seems that anytime we see each other I do something to make things even worse. At this rate we might never get things straightened out between us." Alesia throat tightened as tears gathered. "Maybe it's better off as it is. She never would have trusted me anyway." Alesia rose from her seat. "I need to go, I'll see you both in the morning"
Silence followed her departure. Tera shook her head. "This is starting to worry me"
"I'm worried too, but there is nothing we can do that will help. I don't think they will let it affect the jobs they have to do." Panter reasoned.
"I hope not. I don't want either of them hurt or the gods forbid killed because of it"
Both of them set their worry aside as they concentrated of this last night alone together before going to war.
*********
Moonlight cast a faint glow, softly settling on the tearstains adorning the sleepers face. Faint whispers of sound preceded the bird that entered through the open window. Feathers rustled as it settled on a nearby chair back. The raven considered the sleeper for a moment before seeming to nod. The birds shape blurred then something new occupied the chair. The goddess's kind gaze now watched.
"My child has not been kind to you. Even one such as she is realizing this is not how things should be between you" Potnia Theron sighed. "She does live up to her name" she mused. "She is untamed. And proud lets not forget that"
The goddess rose. "As with my chosen, I do the same for you. What assistance I have is yours if you but ask" A gesture toward the bed and in a shimmer of light the bird departed the same way it had come. The goddess had one more thing to do before returning to her realm.
***********
Thira woke before first light. She wasn't surprised; this was how it had been for a while now. She had found herself jerking awake many times during the night till she was about to just stay up. She wasn't getting any rest anyway.
Shoving her blanket aside she got up and headed for the hand basin to wash up. Gritting her teeth at the sudden shock of cold water on her face and neck, Thira went to grab the towel hanging beside the basin and froze at the sight of her right arm. Time seemed to freeze as her mind struggled with the information her vision had seen. Thira grabbed a striker and lit a lamp, fumbling as her hands shook. The resulting light made what she had seen unmistakable. Clenching her hands into fists to try to stop the tremors, Thira closed her eyes in despair. How could this have happened? Why had this happened? What was she going to do now?
*************
A knock sounded on the door to their rooms as Tera and Panter finished dressing. Sliding her sword into its sheath resting on her back Panter opened the door. She smiled as she saw who it was.
"Alesia…. Why are you wearing.." Panter stopped as she took in the shocked look on her face. "What's wrong?" She exchanged a troubled glance with Tera as she came over to see what was going on.
Alesia bit her bottom lip. "I awoke this morning and found something had happened overnight. I'm not sure what it means or why it's there"
Tera frowned. "What do you mean it?"
Taking a deep breath, Alesia flipped the cloak covering her onto her right shoulder exposing her arm.
Tera jaw dropped in astonishment. "By the Gods what is that?"
Panter moved closer and examined Alesia's arm. Sometime during the night a tattoo running from Alesia's shoulder down to her wrist had appeared. As she absorbed the details she started to understand what it meant.
"Amare, come take a look at this and tell me what you see."
Moving closer Tera studied the drawing. "It looks just like…"
"Ours, yes it does just on a much larger scale" The vines and snakes wound their way around Alesia arm and ended by her wrist with the head of the last snake resting on the back of her hand.
Alesia flexed her hand and arm studying the tattoo as the muscles in her arm moved under her skin. "What do you think it means?"
Panter shrugged her shoulder. "I'm not sure but nothing in a bad way." She picked up her and Tera's saddlebags. "Right now we don't have time to find out, lets get moving".
****************
The stamping of restless horses and the snap of the banners bearing the Regents emblem in the wind were the only sounds drifting in the early morning air. No one would have thought that over seven hundred fighters, most on horseback were amassed in the fields just outside the manor. The number of fighters had swelled as more villages in the area had sent assistance and supplies. Even with most of them bringing their own mounts, they had ended up with at least two hundred still on foot. But that was ok; ground troops would be a good advantage. Everyone straightened as the Regent and The Arms master approached on horseback.
Panter ran an eye over the troops. A short nod replaced the smile of satisfaction that wanted to appear on her lips. Standing in Donum's stirrups she addressed them. " Today we are riding out to meet a unknown force that has decided to try to lay claim to our homes and the people we are here to protect. Let's teach them that they just made a huge mistake."
A low roar of agreement cut through the air. The crash of swords beating on shields and the stamping of boots joined it in a mass of sound. An uplifted hand interrupted the elation. At a gesture from their military leader the unit commanders shouted their sections to attention. Panter and Tera nudged their horses forward followed by the Hawk's Wing and the Chosen's Elite as they took their place behind them. The rest of the companies fell into line. The rumble of wagon wheels accompanied the healers and cooking companies needed to support the militia.
The main thoroughfare had been cleared so the army could move unimpeded towards the main gates. Still the residents had found places to stand as they watched them depart. Shouts of thanks and encouragement followed them. Panter looked over as Tera nudged her. At her inquiring look Tera merely pointed towards her right side. Panter smiled as she spotted Zeva, Solaris and Falises watching them ride by. Panter saluted them, inclining her head as they all saluted back. Zeva had wanted to go also but Panter and Tera had gently reminded her that her family needed her here. She had been reluctant but agreed when Panter told her that she could help here as a reserve in case any of the fighting came to Hawk's Peak.
Reaching the main gates, they passed out on to the road that would start them on the first phase of their journey. A voice behind them lifted into a marching tune. The song built as more voices joined in.
The sun was at its zenith when they passed the faint trail to the new village. Tall trees cast fleeting shade as they rode past. Movement in the foliage had Panter tensing her hand reaching back to draw her sword. As shadows resolved into known shapes she relaxed. Rena and a group of around fifty warriors rode out to meet them.
"Not that I'm not glad to see you, but what are you doing up here?" Tera questioned surprise coloring her voice.
"We came to help" Rena said shortly. " Another village fell to them yesterday. I think its time to kick their ass back where they came from and out of our backyard"
Panter frowned at that news, but agreed with Rena's sentiment. "Glad your joining us, find a spot and we'll get moving."
She nudged Donum into a trot as they moved to join them. The companies increased their speed to match. The jingle of tack on her left had Panter glancing over to see Alesia moving up to ride at her side. Her russet colored battle gear resembled what most of the Amazon's were wearing. She was clad in a sleeveless tunic with brass chest plating stitched onto flexible leather that protected her front and back. Her leggings had shin and thigh guards that protected her lower limbs with knee length boots covering her feet. She wore a bracer on the inside of her left arm with a vambrace on her right to protect her forearm. A small shield hung off a hook on her saddle to use when she pulled the sword that rode on her left hip. A bow was slung across her chest along with a full quiver of arrows tipped with a square arrowhead tapering to a sharp point that would punch through armor fairly easily if you were a decent archer. Which she was. Her vambraces covered a portion of the tattoo now adorning her arm. Surprise had been the most common reaction from people seeing it on first sight.
Alesia rode silently at Panter's side her mind occupied. She hadn't seen Thira this morning but on inquiry had learned she was somewhere in one of the scouting companies that had peeled away to ride ahead. Her brows furrowed as a slight ache in her chest caused her to catch her breath. A voice pulled her away from her musing. "Sorry.. what was that?"
Panters understanding gaze met hers. " Have you seen Thira yet?"
"Um… no I was told she went with the scouting units that went ahead. Why?"
Panter hesitated then continued. "I think things between you two might end up a little more difficult then they already are"
Alesia's eyes widened. "More then they already are?" she laughed in derision. "I can't think it could be worse than being loathed by someone you could…" She stopped in mid sentence afraid to finish.
"Love?" Panter finished gently.
Alesia hand rose to wipe away a tear that trickled down her left cheek.
"Yeah" she said softly. "But why do you think it could be any worse?"
"Your tattoo"
"What about it?"
Panter reached out a hand and touched the marking. " It's like Tera's and mine" she reminded Alesia.
"So?"
"It's the Goddess mark remember, for children of her blood and their chosen mates."
"I'm not of her blood, but…" Alesia stopped as her mind finally put together what Panter was saying. "But Thira is". Her heart broke as she realized what Thira's reaction could be. Any chance she might have had just disappeared.
"She has the tattoo too doesn't she?" Alesia refused to look at Panter as she waited for an answer she already knew.
"Yes, I think so" came the compassionate reply.
Alesia choked back sobs that had risen in her throat. She evaded Panter's outstretched hand and kneeing her horse into an abrupt gallop, rode away from them to grieve her loss alone.
Panter watched her ride away. A hand taking hers made her look to the side to see Tera's sorrowful gaze. "It's not going to go well between them is it?"
Panter lifted Tera's hand pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "No, Amare it won't. I worry about them both. To deny something this strong and with the Goddess's obvious marking will be agonizing. If Thira continues to deny Alesia it might have grievous consequences."
"Do you think Thira is that cruel?"
"No, I think she's frightened at what could happen between them. We don't know what has happened in her past to make her react the way she has."
"If only she could realize the gift she's pushing away." Tera tightened her grip on her mate's hand. "It's something I could no longer live without."
"Nor I" Panter bent to meet Tera's lips in a soft kiss allowing their bond to encompass their awareness' for a moment. Straightening she beckoned Akil over.
"Yes Arms Master?"
"Please have two of your people follow Alesia. Keep an eye out but leave her space. Being this close to home it still should be safe enough."
"Is everything alright?" Akil asked concerned.
"As much as it can be"
Akil dropped back to the hawk's wing and spoke to the nearest unit. At his gesture two separated and kicking their mounts into a gallop headed off into the direction Alesia had ridden.
Satisfied for now that things were as well as could be expected, Panter settled back into her saddle for the long ride ahead. She retained Tera's hand tenderly running her thumb over the back of her hand. For now her mind had to be on the army they were riding to meet.
Continued...