“Get up, Mekala. We have work to do, while the night is still young. I do not know if my half-brother still lives in these parts, but I do know we have a place to live.” Mahala told her. “Gather up as much sagebrush as you can on the way. It will provide warmth under our bedrolls.”
“Shima, are you sure we can survive here?” Mekala asked.
“Yes, we can, little one. There is a deep underground spring at the base of the rocks, a hidden cave which can be our home, and many wild animals.” Mahala replied.
So the two made their way towards the cave, keeping their eyes to the skies to ensure Anubis’s Folly had not doubled back. After a few miles trek, they finally made it into the safety of the cave. It was not to large; the main area was ten feet by ten, with a ceiling of about seven feet. There were also three side caverns, two on the left, and one on the right just right for bedrooms and a storage room. Mahala nodded; she had picked well.
It had been no small risk to use her job as a scout to find this place. As such, she knew that her being gone for long peroids of time. It was more likely that young Mekala would be missed, unless Baron Panthacon took an interest in her again. As a scout, she was also issued needed items, like compases, a lantern, high capasity cantine, and bed roles. She was also given free choice in needed clothing to blend into the locals. Thus she was able to get warm clothing for herself and Mekala, and not one took note.
As she began to unpack her bag, Mekala surprised Mahala. “Here, shima.” She handed Mahala two cotton packs she had hidden. Mahala carefully unwrapped the first. Out feel tin cups, plates, blows, and utensils clattering to the cave floor. Then she unwrapped the second, and out feel bacon, flour, and beans. “Something to start with, shima.”
“You working in the kitchen work out. You learned a wee bit to much from me. I still have an ace to play, little one. You do not.” Mahala laughed shaking her head. “Still you bought us a night of not having to hunt. And the flour and beans will last much longer. When we can, we need to head south to Kinlinidi to the trading post for supplies.” Mahala began to take of her warm winter clothing, as the cave began to warm up.
“Question. Mahala, can you tell me about your half brother who is suppose to meet us?” Mekala asked.
“Hmm, Tesla? How to explain him....”“YOU BARE THE MARK!!!!” Mekala squealed upon seeing the cresent with a wolf hollowing like birthmark. “You... you... bare the mark of one born kin to the baron!?! But...but...you were his slave.”
“The baron does not know. And yes, I am his kin, more over his womb mate. I am the missing twin his hunts high and low for. He thinks his twin is a boy, and identical twin. A lie his nanny, who never met me or our mother told him. Now you have learned my dark secret, my ace over the baron. While he was raise with his nanny in Egypt, with the fine schools and libraries, I was raised deep in the woods of the Tsalagi here in this land. He might know air ships and nobility, but I know the woods and the land. You and I are alike on that, little one.” Mahala explained. “Rest assured, Tesla and I are anti-Panthconian rule. Tesla was named for our father’s favorite scientist, and like Nickola Tesla, my half brother, prefers to stay off the grid, literally. He helped me make plans for this. Do not fear little one, he is to be trusted. A bit odd, but very trustworthy.”
Mekala relaxed. “Good, shima. I trust you too.”
“Lets get some supper cooked and call it a night.” Mahala yawned. “Pick which of the rooms you want.”
“That sounds good. Yes, bed is good.” Mekala sighed then giggled, “Last room on the left is mine!” sounding for once like the 13 year old she really was.
