Rifted
Rifted
Episode 8: Turncoat
you
SPEAKER_03:His ears twitched at her question, eyes rising from the sticky layer that had formed over her previously broken skin. She extended a single claw, pointing across the camp and into the trees far beyond the village.
SPEAKER_02:We think about them. Do they think about us?
SPEAKER_03:Len's expression fell, ears flattening and lips curling upward for a moment. He tapped a paw over her wrist, the place where a small pad had been. Painful? You should leave them alone. They will heal if you let them.
SPEAKER_01:It hurts!
SPEAKER_03:Len bumped his head into hers gently.
SPEAKER_02:I have cubs who behave better than you.
SPEAKER_01:You are still a cub.
SPEAKER_03:So are you. She shoved a freshly wrapped clawed hand in front of his face. Not anymore. Will you come with me?
SPEAKER_02:Where? I'm not a hunter, you know. Only because you don't try. And you lack any skill with a bow. Empty? Stolen. Do you see the tracks?
SPEAKER_03:Wolves? Not so close to camp. Something smaller.
SPEAKER_02:How far are we going?
SPEAKER_03:Did you hear me? Just birds. Nothing to be scared of. The next trap is just here.
SPEAKER_02:You got one!
SPEAKER_03:Small.
SPEAKER_02:Barely enough for a cub. We have more to check, yes?
SPEAKER_03:They continued onward, checking traps and snares that had been set out along animal paths, places where tracks converged, highways that formed over fallen logs and down in gullies where pools of water never fully froze over.
SPEAKER_02:We are close. I know.
SPEAKER_03:His eyes rose then, pelt standing on end the moment he caught sight of the expanse before them. The clearing was short, and rather than returning to the safety of the trees, the land simply dropped away completely, tumbling down until it met the ice-choked river between the two sharp cliffs.
SPEAKER_02:Why are we here? I
SPEAKER_03:told you. The traps. A cross?
SPEAKER_02:No, we can't.
SPEAKER_03:Then you stay. Please. Can you smell them?
SPEAKER_02:No, but... If you're afraid, stay. Vala, the clan will... We will be back before they know. You are still
SPEAKER_03:healing.
SPEAKER_02:The scents are stale.
SPEAKER_03:The trees felt different. rougher against his fur, and somehow he felt lost the moment the two of them made it to the other side of the clearing. The land was foreign, unmarked. It reeks of horses here.
SPEAKER_02:The scents are stale. Won't they know we were here? Our tracks. We will be
SPEAKER_03:gone before they see. Traps aren't worth. Did Rivera expect a battle party? We could do it. Just the two of us. We will die. And the clan will be safe.
SPEAKER_02:We should go. Safe. Living without worry. We could do it. We could kill her and... And if we fail, they will kill everyone. Come on. We should go back.
SPEAKER_03:Len shrank down. tugging Fala with him into the nearest cluster of underbush. He couldn't see them, but the scent was stronger, smothering everything suddenly until it dripped from the leaves around them. A shiver passed through him and his fur rose, mane prickling with a fear that crackled in the air around them.
SPEAKER_02:Do you see them?
SPEAKER_03:No. The horses came into view first. Spindly and smaller than a stag, darker too, but somehow they were still terrifying. He waited for one of them to notice him, to turn and stare into the place they were hidden. But the animals walked blindly by. Their master continued on, itchy fingers trailing to holstered pistols.
SPEAKER_02:Three of them. No,
SPEAKER_03:we can't. Len held tightly to Fala, willing them to go away, to ride off and never be seen by either of them.
SPEAKER_01:We are
SPEAKER_03:dying. What? The skies are fading. We are dying, Len.
SPEAKER_02:Let's go
SPEAKER_03:home. The bridge still looked the same, luckily, marked with only the trails of their tracks that were quickly scattered once they ran back over them again. It wasn't long before they reached their side of the rift, returning once more to the closest thing to safety they knew.
SPEAKER_01:Can you smell that?
SPEAKER_03:Blood. He spotted them, one white as the snow around him, and the other with a pelt that seemed permanently stained with the ash of an ever-present fire. Yet they shared the same color then, the same smear of crimson across otherwise undisturbed fur. Teeth still bared and blood drooling from his open maw. There was a staleness about him, a listlessness carried in his scent. Something that reminded him of sickness. But it was different somehow. The crimson foaming in his mouth and dripping down onto his newly sliced chest made him all the more frightening. Len had never been afraid of his clan leader. Not until then. Who has fought? She too was growling. Teeth exposed to the cold air around them, and Len watched as Bentrum's expression softened. None of your concern. It's over. The clan leader twisted away before he turned and limped off across the campsite, gone. Len swallowed, moving forward carefully and watching as Ren's blind eyes turned towards him. You smell like...
SPEAKER_02:Bentrum is hurt.
SPEAKER_03:No, I'm fine. I don't know what came over him. Why did you fight? I will
SPEAKER_02:handle it. This is my fault.
SPEAKER_01:Be kind. Be safe.
SPEAKER_03:Bantram leaned forward, touching his head to hers and sharing a sigh before he began to back away, lanky body hunched even if Ren couldn't see. He too was gone then, disappearing behind a hut and Len was left staring at the bloody trail left in the snow. Did you see them fight?
SPEAKER_02:No, we...
SPEAKER_03:You're weak of that place. We... Don't cross again. Bring me my things. I will wait for them to
SPEAKER_02:come back. Will they be alright? We have to trust them to resolve whatever it was. Have hope.
SPEAKER_01:You sound like
SPEAKER_02:Scry.
SPEAKER_03:She holds the hope I wish we all did. For now, I think she holds the hope for all of us. Is that enough? I don't know. I'm serious. Stop talking. Oh, you're scolding me for talking now. I wasn't even saying anything, Daniel. Just trying to make it not so damn quiet. You're doing it again. It? I didn't realize we were playing guessing games now. Aurora. You're dragging this out on purpose now. You can't keep acting like everything is fine. What are you talking about? You were losing your mind a day ago. Do I hear concern in your voice, my friend? Aurora! I'm fine. I'm going to lose my mind, but only if we sit at this vexing campsite for any longer. Is everything alright? Everything's fine. It was well beyond dawn, light crawling up through the treetops and bleeding out into the skies. East. We're getting close. I know. Never much liked the cold. Always made my knee ache. I can see my breath now. Daniel shuffled closer, feeling the weight of Aurora's head listing over to the side to rest on his shoulder. Might just freeze before we get there. It's not that cold. Need a stand? We've been sitting a while. What, my knee? It's just stiff. I'll be fine. Think they're still holding a grudge? It could be, I guess. I'm sorry. Why are you apologizing? You... Me? It's always me, Daniel. My fault, my doing, that got us into trouble. I got us into this, you know. Daniel grabbed for his sleeve, feeling the quake in Aurora's hands. There was a reason I came back for you. I knew what I was getting myself into. For that, you can't blame yourself. When I left you, I realized that there wasn't a normal for me. Not without you. You should know that. When they brought you back to the infirmary, I was frantic. I convinced her to let you live, stand for trial, and... I just needed to buy some time. You were brought back there, patched up, and for a while nothing happened. I stayed there waiting for you to wake up. Would you come with me?
SPEAKER_04:We should.
SPEAKER_03:Yeah, right behind you. Thought they'd never piss off. I wasn't about to let you die from my mistakes either, Aurora. Aurora nodded once, then again, slipping until he managed to turn his face into Daniel's arm. We are a mistake. A mistake, or several. There has to be a better way of saying that.
SPEAKER_01:Unfortunate.
SPEAKER_03:Yeah, I like that better. You do know, you have every right to hate me for dragging you back into this. I love you. A grin flashed across Aurora's face, still half hidden in Daniel's sleeve, lopsided, just as disheveled as the rest of him. My point is, I won't turn my back on you again. To think, we were almost getting somewhere. Oh, I love you too.
SPEAKER_02:Ah, she's gonna kill us. Only if he catches us. Can't sit still anymore.
SPEAKER_03:Hey, don't you pull away from
SPEAKER_02:me. I'm fine. Just keep your voice down though.
SPEAKER_03:Oh no, no, no, no, no. No you don't.
SPEAKER_02:He'll hear us. Told you so.
SPEAKER_03:I
SPEAKER_02:didn't
SPEAKER_03:see her. He shouldn't be walking around. Oh, you know, good dose of something in a person will do just about anything.
SPEAKER_02:Fine. Really. A stiff lying down.
SPEAKER_03:We'll come sit, don't you worry.
SPEAKER_02:Getting a little
SPEAKER_03:heavy for me lugging you around like this.
SPEAKER_02:Told you I could walk without your help, Em.
SPEAKER_03:Nah, not a chance.
SPEAKER_01:Please, be careful.
SPEAKER_03:Limping over to where Elizabeth was, still glaring from her seat, Emery helped Selass down to one of the logs. Emery plopped down beside him. That's why they got you, you know. Too tall to duck down. Because he's an idiot. That's why they got him. Not very nice. Where's Josephine? She went with the group. East? Where else? Makes me nervous thinking about it.
SPEAKER_02:Ah, she can handle herself.
SPEAKER_01:I'm not worried about her.
SPEAKER_03:They'll get him. Don't you worry. And what if they don't? They will, Allie. Took my horse, you know.
SPEAKER_01:Why?
SPEAKER_03:Needed the fast ones, I guess. Couldn't take Allie's, not with how old that nag is. You've had that horse for as long as I can remember.
SPEAKER_02:Good luck, chum. Didn't you just get shot off him a bit ago? Not
SPEAKER_03:off.
SPEAKER_04:You're lucky I wasn't with them when they found you.
SPEAKER_03:Heard about what he was trying to do when we found him? Oh, here we go. Allie, she went on for ages while you were out already. You watching us now? Oh, guess I forgot. Was starting to think you're just sweet on me. Oh, I'll share him, don't you worry. Did you get a chance to talk to him before he left? In a hurry, I get it.
SPEAKER_02:Wouldn't
SPEAKER_03:want to go that close. Can't blame him for leaving so quickly. They'll catch up. I know they will.
SPEAKER_01:And if they don't?
SPEAKER_04:We're not losing anyone else. I promise you that.
SPEAKER_03:You've been quiet.
SPEAKER_04:I... See, I know.
SPEAKER_03:Don't tell me that little heart-to-heart back there spooked you.
SPEAKER_04:No, it's... It wasn't that.
SPEAKER_03:Glad you got us out of there, though. Felt like I was intruding on something sitting so close.
SPEAKER_04:Yeah, it's... I think they needed a moment alone.
SPEAKER_03:Right, you're prisoners. That you need to keep from escaping. Needed to be left alone.
SPEAKER_04:I know how it sounds.
SPEAKER_03:Zane dropped his head into his hands. What's eating you? Did you know you were doing
SPEAKER_04:the
SPEAKER_03:right thing
SPEAKER_04:when you were with the dravana?
SPEAKER_03:Not... Not always, I guess. Most days, I did my job. Didn't think too hard. That's how most of us were, I think.
SPEAKER_04:And if it was wrong?
SPEAKER_03:You're having second thoughts about this job, right? Yes. Well, you picked about the worst person to double-cross if you're thinking of turning... I can't! It would ruin everything! How do you mean? My family would never recover if I double-crossed, like you said. You don't think they're just trying to trick you? Aurora was genuine when I spoke to him. Might just be a good liar? No, not that. What do you think? About them? I think Hat Bastard is a piece of work, but he's harmless. Can't get a good read on the other one, if I'm being honest. We didn't talk much, but I met him a few times when I was with the Javara. Always seem decent enough. Has Rowena lied before? That's a dangerous question.
SPEAKER_04:That you remember with the Dravana?
SPEAKER_03:Yes, but I think everyone lies. You're not talking about that kind of thing though, are you? I think it's possible she's covering something. That's all I can say for certain. You think it's possible she sent us after innocents? Not saying that. Not... well, not exactly. Just saying that we may not know the whole of things. Which, I guess, is pretty close, huh? What do we do? It's your ass on the line, not mine.
SPEAKER_04:We return without
SPEAKER_03:them. And she kills you on sight. All of this is bullshit! You're really thinking about doing this, huh? I don't know. It was never like this before with my father. Easy. No need to get worked up. We'll figure it out. If we return empty-handed, she kills us. Yes, probably. If we return with them, she kills them. Was the impression I got, yes. And maybe us, too. What gave you that idea? Aurora, or Hat Bastard as you call him. So that's what you talked about. You think he's telling the truth? At least partially, yes.
SPEAKER_04:You were with the Dravara when it all
SPEAKER_03:happened, yes? I was, partially. Was around for it all, but I heard about it. Is it possible what she said, they did? You know the Dravara well. If I'm being honest with you, Crossvale, things don't add up. They never did. You're right, but... Alone, what could I do about it? Maybe other people saw it, too. Maybe other people had some idea that things weren't right. But we didn't talk about it. So, as far as I knew, it was just me and that, being all alone and thinking something. When you're up against Rowena... It scared me enough to turn a blind eye. Maybe those two over there just weren't quite as scared of her as I was. She's hunting them down. The things over the rift. I know that much. And if they've gotten the sense to fight back, to get others on their side, maybe it's worth having second thoughts about it. Damn, making me feel a bit shit for... What if it was an accident? I think that's possible too. Whatever happened with Aurora and that party... No, no. What if we didn't bring them back and it was an accident? I'm not following. If they escaped, we could... It wouldn't be our fault, right? What? You want to state something? Not... Well, what if we say they were taken from us? By who? The... The Resistance. You mean like that poor bastard you shot? Don't think he's going to be coming after us. No, but others, they could, yes? What if we allow them to escape and tell Loena we were ambushed by the
SPEAKER_04:others?
SPEAKER_03:This is a stupid plan. But it could work. I don't know. Wish you would have come up with this earlier. Could have saved us all the trouble of coming this far east. The closer we get... The worse it feels. I get it. You don't have to stay. If you go south, you could be too far for her to catch you. Oh, please. Like you'd make it on your own. It's not your responsibility to ensure that I... make it. No, it's not. But it doesn't mean I don't feel responsible anyway. I like you, Crossfail. Like having you around. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you if I can help it.
SPEAKER_04:Oh, I...
SPEAKER_03:I like to have you around too. Very much. Glad that's settled then. Now back to us fucking ourselves over. Want me to shoot you in the leg or something? Blame it on the... resistance? I'd... rather not. Why go back at all? What do you mean? I'm saying... why go back at all if we can just... leave? I've got nothing tying me to the Javara. You've got your... Reputation, or whatever. But pretty sure your family would rather have you alive, right? Honor be damned.
SPEAKER_04:I... guess... see.
SPEAKER_03:So, if you're serious about all this... And this better not be some bullshit you're pulling. It is not, I assure you. In the next town, I will get the prisoner wagon. It will be easier to stage something, as you said. Alright. You're serious?!
UNKNOWN:!
SPEAKER_03:What, you expecting me to hand you over to Rowena or something? I couldn't give a shitless about what she thinks about this. Yeah, I'm serious. You were very easily convinced to turn. Don't think me disloyal or something. Just tired of being stepped on. Thank you. You're welcome, Zane. Will you do me a favor? Daniel didn't look up, only nodding from where he stared down a wrongly familiar road, down a way that he had traveled not long before. Daniel grabbed for his coat clumsily, clamping a hand over Aurora's mouth. What is it? Before we reach the stronghold. Shoot me.
UNKNOWN:What?
SPEAKER_03:Put a gun to my head and pull the trigger. Put a knife in my belly before she gets the chance to touch me. Can you do that? Absolutely not. Shove a dagger through my ribs. Stop it! Sharpen a branch for all I care. Enough. Aurora's head tilted. He was smug, hiding a brokenness Daniel knew they both saw through. You're far too sweet to me. I'm sorry. What for? All of this. It's not your fault. Do you think she has our rooms waiting for us? Maybe. Starting to think you should have left me to rot. Oh, please. Whatever happens, I know. What I did was the right thing, Aurora. Will you do something for me? If it involves killing you... No. It doesn't. If she offers you a deal, take it. I just want you and Silas and Elizabeth to be safe. If this is to be the end for me, I want you to be alright. More than anything. Daniel's forehead came to rest against his. Daniel, please. I can't keep thinking about what she'll do to you. It's not over yet. Just... I can't. For me, then. Please. Just for now. Pretend you can. Hands to yourselves, lads. This wagon is worse somehow. How so? Your hands are free now, at least. I don't like it. Aurora kicked at the door half-heartedly. Being in a... cage... Both of them stared, then simultaneously turned to glance up towards the front of the wagon where the bounty hunters sat, unmoving and silent. This is bait, right? Locking the damn door isn't something you just forget to do. All three of you do that. Making sounds and not actually answering the question. All three of you. And your siblings do it. Seriously, you're getting on my ass about this now? Okay, we... No time. Just run. Daniel pulled him back sharply. They'll definitely notice if we do it now. Let them pass. Obviously in a hurry. The first rider to approach was alone, shortly followed by another three, then a fourth, but this one came from behind and stopped short of the wagon. A stillness fell over them, however brief. Before the first gun was pulled, another two riders came from the trees. From the back of the wagon, it was difficult to see the front riders. The rider at the back was unfamiliar. A woman with dark hair. Aurora crawled up against the boundaries of the enclosed space, squinting. We want no trouble. Official business. Step aside. Aurora moved back towards the door, pushing it open. Aurora, don't! You there! That's him, alright. He's not? Aurora, right? No, I'm afraid you've got the wrong man. Wait a second. I know you. You're Dravara. Benjamin Hook. Chief officer of the Dravara before that friend of yours. But let's just say, things are a little different now.
SPEAKER_01:So, you're Aurora?
SPEAKER_03:I... yes. Sorry, didn't hear you walking up. And yes, that's the rumour. Sorry if we scared you. What was the shooting about? Wolves. Just got too close for comfort. We didn't realise you were nearby. Well, not that close anyway.
SPEAKER_01:They're bold out this way. The wolves. What are they talking about?
SPEAKER_03:Discussing options, I think.
SPEAKER_01:Options?
UNKNOWN:Options?
SPEAKER_03:Josephine's brow furrowed as she watched them between the trees."'Turning against the Dravara doesn't really leave you with many places to go, does it?'"'Not sure I like the idea of bringing our captors back with us.'"'We've had stranger circumstances.'"'I suppose I wasn't expecting Benjamin in the first place.'"'You know him?'"'Vaguely, you could say. We've met. Didn't think I'd be seeing him again.'"'You're not the only one to turn.' Certainly not the first. How did you know who I was? When you saw me, I mean. We had some idea of what you'd look like. Oh, is that so? Like your brother, but smaller. I don't like that answer, but I'll accept it. I would have thought it was the hat. It certainly helps, yes. Not my fault he's a moose of a man. No one needs to be that tall, if you ask me.
SPEAKER_01:So I- I
SPEAKER_03:didn't really introduce-
SPEAKER_01:I'm sorry. Go ahead.
SPEAKER_03:Oh, I was just going to say I didn't get to introduce myself properly. I'm Josephine, the- The one dating my sister. I, uh, yeah. That's me. She, um, mentioned me-
SPEAKER_01:A bit.
SPEAKER_03:Oh, well, we're actually... Aurora's gaze flashed down to where she spun idly at a ring on her finger. You're married? Oh, no. Engaged, actually. But only because we don't get a lot of time to plan a wedding with everything going on. I'd imagine not. Well, at least
SPEAKER_01:allow me to offer my congratulations. Congratulations?
SPEAKER_03:Thank you. I'm sure she'd love to have you as part of things when we do... If we do.
SPEAKER_01:If?
SPEAKER_03:A joke, I hope. Liz doesn't like to think about it, but I worry that... I understand. Well, if there's anything I can do to help it, it will be a grand wedding indeed. To not flinch when they approached was a task all on its own. But Aurora felt the hair on the back of his neck rise when they got close. When he met the cold, muddled blue of the bounty hunter's gaze. I hope we aren't interrupting. You're not. We'll be heading out soon. Don't like staying east too long if we can avoid it. You two are welcome to join us, but I understand if you need time. Thank you, but I think we will take our own path. I'd like to send a letter from somewhere nearby to inform her the job is off, since I won't be facing her directly. I can't say I'd recommend that, but as long as she can use it to track you... I hope it will let my family salvage our reputation. Let's hope the Crossfails are easy on treason. You're Raymond's boy. Raymond Crossfail, right? I am. Do you know him? I've... Done work down that way in the past. Not in any close sense. Just know the name. That's all. Well, take all the time you need. You know where to find us. Hmm. We have no interest in starting fights. Can I ask you something, sir? If you'd like. That man. The one who was shot. Is he alright? Yes. He's recovering. He'll be fine, given time.
SPEAKER_04:Good.
SPEAKER_03:I hope you'll accept my thanks. Someday. Someday, then. I hope you'll accept my thanks. Let's get going. Odd to not see you beside Daniel. We're not attached at the hip, I assure you. He's gathering our things. Josephine, can you see when we're ready to ride out? Sure thing. Enjoy the lecture. I'm not lecturing. Yet. I'm sure you have questions. I'll be happy to answer them for you. Some, but they can wait. I'd like to get back to my siblings. Of course. I'm sure Elizabeth and Alikia will be happy to see you.
SPEAKER_01:Ali who now?
SPEAKER_03:Oh, sorry, ma'am. Not used to being so far from the stronghold, huh?
SPEAKER_02:I travel occasionally. I, uh,
SPEAKER_01:was referring to myself, ma'am.
SPEAKER_03:Hmm. We won't be long. Whoa. We're really far out here, aren't we, ma'am? Don't see another light for miles. Don't really understand why they couldn't just come to the stronghold. Mum? Is that snow?
SPEAKER_01:What?
SPEAKER_03:In your hair, towards the top there. It's nothing. Perhaps a trick of the light. The moonlight. Rowena snapped her hood up before Harriet could get a better look. Tiny flashes of silver disappearing beneath the wreath of fur. I explained this to you before, didn't I, Tuffet?
SPEAKER_01:No, ma'am. Just that we were meeting...
SPEAKER_03:Your only concern should be what I tell you then, right?
SPEAKER_01:Yes.
SPEAKER_03:I may have lost my bounty hunter, Tuffet, but I won't be double-crossed again. I've known this one far longer, and their failure would mean the crumbling of my entire establishment. We both know that isn't happening. Don't we? The inn was small, lopsided, leaving it something of a wonder it was standing at all.
SPEAKER_00:Evening. You're... Travara.
SPEAKER_03:Indeed. I believe my contact has already arrived.
SPEAKER_00:Ah, right. Well, he's out back, just through there. Said you needed the room to talk, so...
SPEAKER_03:Thank you. Harriet dipped her head as they turned, making their way through the door and into a room that was somehow more desolate than the main portion of the inn. Good evening. I'm glad you were able to make it. Fetch a drink for me? Yes, ma'am. I'll
SPEAKER_04:be right back.
SPEAKER_03:So, as I said when I reached out to you, my bounty hunter was unsuccessful. While I don't know his fate, I can only assume he and my officer have been taken prisoner. A shame. It's no matter. I couldn't care less what becomes of him. I have more important things to handle, an upset of the natural order of things. Disbanding my establishment would mean welcoming chaos. You understand why we can't have that, don't you? Yes, ma'am. I want Hook taken care of as soon as possible. Aye, well, straight to the point, aren't we? Hook is... Without its head, a snake cannot slither. Agreed, but... If you are reluctant to comply, I will find someone else. Not reluctant, no. Guess I was just wondering about the rest of them. What you wanted done. Aurora will get what he deserves. I can assure you of that. Do you know what happens when order is threatened? I... I'll answer that for you. There will be turmoil. We are stopping a war from happening, stopping meaningless acts of violence from ever occurring. The Dravara have kept order for decades, before I ever came to power. I don't intend on letting things fail now. They won't go quietly. The Resistance, I mean. You'll start a war. If I can, I'd like to avoid that. Which is why I'm seeking to kill the uprising before it even begins. Benjamin dies first. I don't care how, but I want it done. Just know, if I were given the chance, I wouldn't be kind. He'd suffer as I did. But I will leave you to make your own decisions. I... Understand, ma'am. Good. Now, unfortunately, you were the only one who responded, while my attempts to contact others, and one in particular, haven't been successful. However, as I said before, cut off the head and you kill the beast. I'll see it's done. Well, if everything is understood, we should be going.
SPEAKER_04:Mom, should I tell the driver?
SPEAKER_03:Yes, ready the carriage, Tuffet. Let's go home.