Page 108 of Earthbound

The soldier handed the crate to Reena.

‘Put it on the ground, Pila will retrieve it,’ Yeeran said.

‘I think not,’ Malak said with a smile. ‘Release me first.’

Reena was watching Malak, awaiting his orders. Yeeran realised they were at a stalemate.

And I’m not sure how long I can keep up my magic.

‘Why don’t we create a new neutral zone? Place the crate in the centre, I’ll give you some slack to cross the space between me and your soldiers. Then I will walk to the crate and release you completely.’

Malak’s eyes crinkled in the corners. ‘Just like old times.’

Pila, when I drop the constraints around Malak, I’m going to weave a threaded shield. Be ready to shelter behind it.

Yeeran loosened the magic on Malak, as Reena placed the crate on the ground.

‘Remember what I said, Yeeran. All I want is peace,’ Malak said as he began to walk away. When he was nearly by Reena’s side Yeeran released the threads that tied him to her. The soldiers quickly moved to absorb Malak into their ranks, protecting him.

Yeeran didn’t delay; she immediately wove a threaded shield protecting her and Pila.

Because she hadn’t forgotten what Malak had said, and it wasn’t just about peace.

‘You should never trust those on the opposite side of the negotiating table.’

Yeeran began to advance towards the crate.

Reena was watching her. Her hand hovered above her drum, ready to strike. Yeeran was at the crate now. The petals smelled savoury and fresh, similar to fennel.

As she leaned down to pick it up, she saw Reena’s hand move as though to strike. But Malak’s hand caught her elbow from behind.

What is Malak saying, Pila?

‘…plant matter, it will be consumed too. Let them have hope for now. It will crush them all the more.’

Though Yeeran didn’t fully understand the snippet of the conversation, she did know one thing: she had to get out of there fast.

Pila lowered her horns to carry the crate, and Yeeran quickly balanced it on top.

Do you think you can run with that, Pila?

Yes, climb on.

Though no drumfire came their way, Pila ran as though chased by an army, her horns adorned with a bright yellow beacon of petals.

And Furi’s salvation.

—

‘Is that it?’ Rayan asked as they crossed the boundary.

Pila lowered her head and Rayan laughed.

‘I can’t believe you actually did it! The chieftains let you leave with this many petals?’

Yeeran jumped down, a frown knotting her brows together.

‘I didn’t see the chieftains, it was Malak’s regiment who were patrolling the entrance. They were loyal to him so carried out his orders.’