Wednesday has come around again, and I’m happy to present this week’s flash fiction.
This is another installment in the continue Calder Chronicles. Need to catch up? Find all the tales here.
Returning from behind the brush Sorrel tugged the color of the rough spun clothing disconcerted. Beside Calder, Perdyn paused packing to appraise the boy. Sorrel no longer appeared the grandson of the Omendii.
Grunting, he closed the pack he’d worked on and strode to his horse, tying it on. “If we’re done fussing, can we get on with this?” he asked gruffly.
Perdyn stood settling another pack on her horse when he looked again. “So anxious to return to civilization?” Calder caught her mocking tone.
Sorrel did not. “I am.” Sorrel mounted his steed, taking the reins quickly.
Calder remounted his horse and, tutting, headed for the road. “I’m anxious to get home,” he called, not checking if they followed. They’d know the way. They’d find him.
He’d appreciate a moment alone.
Jedston, remote as it was, marked the divide between the far reaches and the Omendii center. He hoped never to see there again.
Toarien.
Yelena.
Memories twisted through his mind, battling with the wall he’d built to keep them out in his isolation. The battle left nothing but a grey sludge in his mind blurring everything.
Until his horse screamed.
Instinct took over. Calder acted without thinking, working as seamlessly with Perdyn as when he’d been young. Until the battle ended.
Calder stared at the body he stood over. It bore the Rhoissi mark. Rage roiled through him.
“Still anxious to get home?” Perdyn said. Anger echoed in her voice.
“No,” Calder said. “For this to be done.”
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