Bold Souls

Those red eyes

Faroque came out from his house at late night after a few of his people called him panicking. He groaned and followed the folks to the center of their town. He was pretty angry at first since he had to roll out of his warm bed, leaving his new wife alone, but when he saw why they called him, Faroque couldn't say a word. The scene in front of him reminded him of a strong and invincible woman, how he fell for decades ago. His granddaughter, Denali, was standing in the circle of the crowd, cowered by blood and the begging Bjorn laying in front of her feet. When the town folks noticed Faroque they shut up and his eyes met with Denali's. She was the spitting image of his first love and first wife. Denali's grandmother, Erin. But her beauty was tainted by that outsider's blood and the eyes of the man, Faroque despised the most shined back at him. Denali's father Alvis was from the desert kingdom and made her mother madly in love, only to be killed by the birth of this abomination. His Erin died not long after losing their only daughter... Therefore Faroque blamed Denali and Alvis for killing his daughter and wife. Although the eyes were of that man, the glance was totally Erin's, it was hard for Faroque to stare into Denali's eyes for long and the people let him closer.

- What is going on? - he asked from Denali.

- Sacred duel. Bjorn tried to taint my name and reputation. I challenged him and he lost. - Faroque laughed.

- What reputation could a Halfblood have? - Denali grinned.

- Well, that half of my blood that is yours also, didn't allow me to listen to his nonsense about me having intercourse with the wolves I train. - Faroque looked at the beat up Bjorn and he had the urge to stomp on him as well for a moment.

- Anyway, according to the rules of our tribe, I had the right to do this. And now he'll suffer the consequences. - Denali said and without paying attention to Faroque, she pulled Bjron after her and hung him uo by his ankles at the tree in the town center. She then, bowed to her grandfather and walked home as if nothing happened. Faroque couldn't do anything, so he headed back home but his blood was boiling. Denali was a great warrior and really intelligent also, as well as cunning and sly. If she wants his position she could take it one day. Faroque poured a glass of liquor and called for Brent. He asked if they had any news from out of their territories, but nothing. Their spies were always killed. A smile spread on Faroque's face, he will get rid of those damned red eyes forever!

Blake

After the announcement of our new task, Denali started to pack out bags and make arrangements for the house and wolves. She grabbed a jar and started to spread something on our bags.

- What are you doing? - she looked up, still mad at me and said in an emotionless tone.

- I'm covering the leather with seal grease, that way, our clothes and gadgets won't soak even if we have to cross lakes or there's a big snowstorm. - I sat by her and started covering my own bag copying her actions.

- Why did you fight with Bjorn? - I asked after the silence became unbearable. She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before answering.

- I've had enough of idiots tarnishing my name and the memory of my family. It was time to show them my fangs. Also, they beat up my friend. - she said caressing my hair and when the bags were ready, Brent waited for us in front of the house. He led two horses on a bridle. Denali got on the black one and I looked confused at the beautiful white mane. Denali looked down at me from the saddle and raised her eyebrows questioningly.

- Why are you so surprised? - I looked up at her and she looked so cool, with the thick leather and fur coat, her hair without the usual white dye now looked like silver spiderweb in the light sunshine. Her eyes like two rubies shining down on me. I shook my head when I noticed that my heart skipped a beat.

-I've never rode on a horse Denali.- she shrugged.

- But you did on a reindeer, and believe me, these guys are much easier to handle than those beasts. Hop on and let's get going, you must know when you're no longer welcome. - Brent looked sadly at us and I did as Denali said. Brent pat my leg and said with a smile.

- Good luck my friend! If the Gods allow, may you find your place in this world where you'll be finally at home. - Denali looked a bit sad while we left the town but as soon as we crossed the border of the tribe she hit the sides of her horse and with a long, howl she rode fast as the wind.

- Come on Blake! - she screamed and howled happily again. I followed her and saw a wide smile spreading on her face. She looked like a wild beast finally set free. I howled one with her and we rode the horses as fast as they could run on the snowy roads. We rode till the snow started to melt around us and the capital finally appeared far away at the bottom of a hill. We stopped and Denali gave some food for the horses, then threw herself in the long grass and took a deep breath. We were on the road for days and only stopped briefly for the sake of the horses, but now, she was calm. I laid next to her and looked at her smiling face. Denali bathed in the warm sunshine with her yees closed.

- Are you tired? - I asked and she opened her eyes turning towards me. The sunshine sparkled in her eyes and a strange feeling rose in my chest. I cannot even recall when I felt like this the last time. But definitely it wasn't in this reality of mine. I still had my knowledge of the game, but the memories of my real life started to fade with the continuous events of this one.

- A bit. The weather is so nice. - she said and I agreed with a smile while inhaling the scent of the forest and wild flowers around us.

- Definitely. What do you want to do now Denali? - I asked.

- I don't know, but we have time to figure it out. What about you? - she asked and I had to swallow a big one before I could answer. I don't know if it was because of the warmth of the weather, the scenery or simply because I've started getting used to this life, but I never saw hee this beautiful before.

- As long as we are together in this adventure, I don't care what we will do. - I said and she blushed a bit before getting up. Denali extended her arm towards me and with a mischievous grin she said.

- In this case, let's go, partner. - I grabbed her arm and jumped on my feet. We got back on the saddles and headed towards the capital city. Only if I knew back than what a horrible mistake I made...