Amazonia: An Impossible Choice Read online

  Feeling Amber’s expectant eyes on her, Kale did not keep her waiting. She crossed to the table. Amber stood excitedly, and Kale revealed the item she’d been hiding behind her back. “What do you think?”

  Amber took the weapon from Kale and studied it closely. “It’s beautiful. Shale will love it.”

  “I’m quite tempted to keep it for myself,” Kale said, only half joking. The dagger was truly exquisite, its handle intricately engraved and inlaid with precious stones. “How is Blake’s gift coming along?”

  “Nearly finished. It will be ready for the joining ceremony.”

  Since Amber was Blake’s best friend and knew her tastes well, both she and Kale had decided that it would make sense for her to be responsible for Blake’s wedding gift, and in turn Kale would be responsible for Shale’s, since she knew her twin sister so well.

  “Not long to go now. Two days left of freedom.” Kale grinned as she took a seat. “That’s what I keep telling Shale.”

  Amber slipped the dagger back into its neatly stitched leather sheath, then placed it on the table. “You are so bad. If Shale doesn’t show up on the day, I’m sending Blake straight to you.”

  Kale sniggered. “You would, too.” At Amber’s nod of confirmation, Kale waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not worried, they’re both besotted with one another.”

  “You mean like you’re besotted with me?” Amber placed two hands on her hips and raised an auburn eyebrow, as if daring Kale to defy her statement.

  “You say besotted, I say enslaved.” Kale almost choked on her laughter as Amber released a growl and leapt onto her knee, causing the chair she was sitting on to rock back with the momentum.

  “You take that back!” Amber began to tickle Kale, clearly knowing that was a weakness of hers.

  Kale tried to resist, but Amber was relentless. Before she could embarrass herself by begging for mercy, Kale stood, lifting Amber as she rose, and unceremoniously dumped her on the bed.

  Kale grinned down at Amber, whose red curls were splayed around her like a fiery but beautiful halo. Her pale, milky skin was a stark contrast to her vivid hair, and the effect was striking. Her brown eyes were mischievous, playful, always in good cheer, much like Amber herself.

  “But just think what you can do with a slave. I am yours to command.”

  “Hmm, that sounds promising.” Amber pulled Kale down on top of her. “Kiss me.”

  Kale was more than happy to oblige, and brushed her lips softly against Amber’s.

  Amber shook her head, a seductive smile forming. “I didn’t mean there.”

  Kale gave a throaty chuckle. “Well, I’d best keep on going till I get it right.” She moved down Amber’s body, leaving a trail of kisses.

  Chapter Two

  BEHIND HER, SHALE heard the cabin door open and close. An instant later, Kale sat down next to her.

  It was like looking at her own reflection—sharp chiseled features, long dark hair, equally tall in height. She and Kale shared the same muscular, yet feminine form. But close up, she and her identical twin did have slight differences. Kale had a small scar above her right eye, while Shale had a larger, diagonal scar across the base of her throat. If you didn’t know either woman well, the battle scars, of which there were several, were the easiest way to identify who was who. Only one scar was the exception, because it was the same on both women—a dagger wound to the stomach, which had been a parting gift from their brother.

  Though the differences were there, most people found them hard to spot, and some didn’t even try, simply treating them as the twins, one singular entity, not as the individuals they were. At least, that was how it had been for the majority of their lives. Upon joining this tribe, things had continued like that for a short while, and probably would still be, if not for Blake, who was the first person to see them each for who they were, and insisted the others in her tribe follow suit. It hadn’t been easy, many challenges arose, but Blake hadn’t backed down, determined that they both received the same courtesies that everyone else took for granted.

  Now, more than a year later, every Amazon in the tribe followed Blake’s example. Not one person treated them as a pair. Sometimes Shale and Kale were still mistaken for one another, but it was out of genuine confusion, and not malice of any kind. It probably didn’t help that their clothes were so similar, they each wore a brown skirt made of soft leather, and a short top that revealed their midriff. A sword was strapped to each back, as they both favored that weapon above all else, and like many things, they were equally skilled in their fighting ability. They were the best warriors in the tribe, and together were a force to be reckoned with.

  Shale smiled into eyes that were the exact same shade as her own, an unusual pale blue, that, according to Blake, were the envy of many a woman. “You’re late, Kale.”

  “It’s your fault, so you can’t complain about it.” She clasped Shale’s forearm in greeting.

  “How is it my fault you’re late? I’ve been right here, sitting on your cabin steps.” Though Shale could’ve easily knocked on the door, she’d been happy to wait outside, soaking up the sun. Her own cabin, which she shared with Blake, was right next door to Kale and Amber’s, and not for the first time, Shale appreciated how fortunate they were to have such close living quarters.

  “Because it was your present that I was busy with.”

  “And how is my dagger coming on?”

  “Shh!” Kale hastily glanced behind, as if to make sure Amber hadn’t stepped outside. She raised a warning finger. “I swear, Shale, you’d better act surprised when I give it to you tomorrow or Amber will think I told you.”

  Neither twin had ever been able to surprise the other when it came to giving gifts, for they had an uncanny ability of reading one another and knew almost always what the other was thinking or feeling. It was an ability that often amazed people, as it bordered on mind-reading at times. Kale hadn’t even hinted as to what her present might be, yet Shale knew instinctively what it was, spot on the mark, without even guessing.

  “I haven’t seen it, so I will be surprised.”

  “I don’t know why I even bothered to wrap it.” Kale sighed, though it was good-natured. “You could—”

  “Use the cloth to polish the blade.” Shale finished for her. “I will.” She looked up at the sky. The harsh wind from yesterday had dropped, and she had to shield her eyes from the bright glow of the sun.

  “So have you settled on what you want to do today?” Kale’s expression turned teasing. “Since this is your last day of freedom.”

  Shale laughed. It was important to them both that they spend the day together, a day for just the two of them. Blake and Amber understood they needed time together. Their connection was unique and only something that the other could fulfill. It worked out well, as Amber and Blake tended to spend the time together, their friendship so strong that they were more like sisters. Their close relationship helped the twins immensely, as it meant they could spend time apart from their partners without feeling guilty.

  “That’s easy. What’s our favorite thing to do?”

  Kale’s mouth curled up at the edges. “Hunting it is.”

  Shale lowered her voice in discretion. Many Amazons were already flitting about the village, despite the early time of day. “Plus, I overheard one of the hunters saying they hadn’t caught as much venison as they would’ve liked for tomorrow’s feast. And I know it’s Zayla’s favorite.”

  Looking highly amused, Kale clasped Shale’s shoulder in praise. “I suppose now is the right time to impress your mother-to-be. Good thinking.”

  Shale rolled her eyes. That wasn’t why she was doing it and Kale knew that. She shrugged, playing along. “Can’t hurt.”

  Kale pulled her upward, off the steps and to her feet. “Come on, let’s show the hunters how it’s done.”

  “WELL, WE HAVEN’T done too badly.”

  Kale sniggered. “Imagine the hunters’ faces when we turn up with this lot.”
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  They’d had a very successful hunt—two deer, five rabbits, and two pheasants. They’d had to turn back as they couldn’t carry any more. Kale shouldered one of the deer, and also the pheasants, which were strung over an arm. Shale carried the remaining deer and rabbits.

  Now mid-afternoon, the sun was blazing strongly in the sky, but the foliage of the trees kept the heat from becoming oppressive.

  “You’ll have to teach the warriors and the hunters if you’re not careful.”

  Shale smirked. “I’ll just send the hunters to you.”

  “Ha, good one. Me, teaching? I would bash their heads together on my first day.”

  Shale didn’t contradict her, knowing the statement to be quite apt, if a little exaggerated—Kale hadn’t inherited the same patience that Shale had. She had very little in fact.

  Kale grew serious. “Are you nervous for tomorrow?”

  “Truthfully,” Shale smiled. “I can’t wait to be joined to Blake. I thank the gods every day for bringing her into my life.”

  Before Kale could offer a response, a menacing growl interrupted. They both whirled toward the noise, and spotted a disheveled-looking wolf loping through the trees, swiftly passing by. A few moments later, it emerged on the trail ahead and came to a complete standstill, blocking their path. The wolf’s predatory gaze fixed on them, and it growled again, as if to convey its intent.

  Shale examined the wolf, its dark fur matted with dirt and clumps of blood. It’d clearly been in a recent fight, likely about food given its emaciated condition, and Shale assumed it had lost, since it was now challenging them for food. She couldn’t blame the creature, it looked half-starved, its wild eyes mad with hunger. The wolf smelled the air and licked its drooling mouth in anticipation—it could clearly smell the dead carcasses they were carrying, and the scent of food so close emboldened it further, overpowering its need for caution. To it, Shale imagined, the twins were a walking food tray.

  Shale took hold of the string of rabbits she was carrying and threw them toward the wolf, though off to one side, so they could pass safely. But instead of snatching up the rabbits as Shale had hoped, the wolf snapped its teeth at her and took an aggressive step toward them.

  “It wants a bigger meal,” Shale whispered. “It wants a deer.”

  “No way.” Kale hissed back. “We earned these deer. The rabbits are more than enough.” She bent down and picked up a nearby rock. She threw it at the wolf, obviously intending to scare it away. The rock hit square on the animal’s shoulder. The wolf yelped in surprise, then its hackles rose, a deep savage growl erupting from its throat.

  “Now you’ve done it,” Shale murmured. She kept perfectly still, waiting to see what the wolf would do. Beside her, Kale also remained fixed in place, like a statue.

  “I need a new wolfskin,” Kale said beneath her breath.

  As if understanding her words, the wolf surged forward, teeth bared, its aggression now fixed solely on Kale.

  Both the deer and pheasants fell to the forest floor as Kale withdrew her sword, raising it quickly so the oncoming wolf would impale itself on her blade. Unfortunately, she couldn’t get the sword into position in time, the wolf was incredibly fast, its desperation to feed all consuming.

  The wolf leapt straight at Kale, its weight and momentum knocking her down onto the ground. With the wolf on top of her, on her chest, Kale had little choice but to release her sword and grab its head, wrestling with it as it tried to take a bite out of her throat.

  Shale grabbed the wolf by the scruff of its neck and by a handful of fur on its back. She hauled it off Kale, fighting to dodge its gnashing teeth as its head twisted around to try and bite her restraining hands.

  Using all her strength, Shale threw the wolf aside, then freed her sword and leveled it as the wolf came back for another attack. The wolf sprang at her. Shale darted to the side at the last moment, then brought her sword swiftly down and chopped clean through the wolf’s neck, decapitating it.

  Shale turned at the sound of applause, and grinned at Kale, who was clapping from her seat on the ground.

  “Looks like I get my wolfskin after all.” Kale accepted Shale’s offered hand, and was hauled onto her feet.

  Shale’s gaze assessed her for injury. Bar a few scratches from the wolf’s claws, Kale appeared unscathed. “You’re all right?”

  Kale nodded. “Fine.” She took Shale’s sword from her hand and crossed to the fallen wolf. “Since yours is bloodied anyway...” Kale began to skin the creature.

  “You’d better clean it afterward.” Shale bent down to help.

  They couldn’t take the wolf with them, for they had enough to carry, but they could manage a roll of wolf skin.

  When finished, and they were again shouldering what they’d caught, Kale started to laugh. “You do realize the hunters are going to hate us, showing them up like this.”

  “IT SOUNDS LIKE they had a good time.” Blake smiled as she heard Shale’s approaching laughter. Kale, too, was laughing loudly, both were in hysterics about something.

  Amber shook her head in amusement. “What have they been up to now?”

  Blake and Amber had just recently returned themselves, having been on a long, pleasurable walk. Intending to dine together for the evening meal, they’d returned to Blake’s cabin, knowing their partners would’ve joined them by then, and they’d need the space to accommodate four around the table.

  The outside steps creaked as weight was put on them, but the door remained unopened.

  “Kale, don’t you dare!” Shale was heard saying. Then, after a beat, she said, “Smart planning.”

  Blake and Amber shared a confused look at the cryptic words. Blake got up from her chair.

  “We can hear you, you know,” Amber called out. From outside, Kale broke into laughter once more. “So you might as well come on in.”

  “I’m afraid we can’t do that, Amber, not just yet anyway,” Shale said. “And you can’t come out, not until you’re prepared.”

  “Prepared?” Blake didn’t like the sound of that. “Prepared for what?”

  “You’re not to worry.”

  “Why would I worry?” Blake was becoming exactly that. “Shale, what’s going on?”

  “Let me explain what happened. We were out hunting—”

  Kale, obviously sick of waiting, got directly to the point. “Shale and I are covered in blood.”

  “Kale! Don’t say it like that, you’ll panic—”

  “What?” Blake headed straight for the door. The chair behind her scraped loudly as Amber leapt out of it, close on her heels.

  “See what you’ve done,” Shale chastised. Her voice lifted, as if to be certain those inside heard. “It isn’t our blood, we’re not hurt.”

  Blake tugged on the door handle, surprised when it didn’t budge. Then clarity hit her. She now knew what Shale’s earlier words meant. Shale had apparently thought Kale was going to open the door, but instead Kale was making sure it stayed shut, as if she’d expected this reaction.

  “Kale, damn it, you open this door.” Blake pounded her fist on its wooden surface.

  “Not until you calm down.” Kale’s tone betrayed the fact she was enjoying herself, her humor obvious to all.

  “Blake, we’re not hurt,” Shale said. “Not even a scratch.”

  “Actually,” Kale sniggered. “I have—”

  “You’re not helping.”

  Amber gripped the handle, adding her strength to Blake’s. They yanked in unison, managing to wrestle the door open a fraction— though no more, Kale was incredibly strong. Even though they had the advantage as the door opened inward, they couldn’t manage any more. Before Shale could lend her weight to Kale’s, Blake stuck her foot in the doorway so it couldn’t be closed again.

  “Let them out,” Shale said.

  The door was thrown open, and scowls of frustration were replaced with looks of concern. Kale was indeed scratched, but none seemed serious, though her arms were caked with dry
blood, solid red up to her elbows. Streaks of blood were also on her face, though they too had dried.

  Shale’s arms were likewise covered, but Blake couldn’t tell whether she had any scratches, for the majority of her body was spattered with crimson, and one half of her face was colored so completely it looked like war paint.

  Blake laid an anxious hand on Shale’s upper arm. “You’re unhurt?” She couldn’t help but ask, wanting to believe Shale, but finding it difficult given the sight before her.

  “Yes.” Shale gave her eye contact to show she spoke the truth. “The blood belongs to a wolf. It attacked us, and I decapitated it.” She made a show of gesturing to her gore-laden form. “Hence the blood.”

  “Then we skinned it.” Kale held up her hands. “Hence the blood.” She tossed the roll of wolf skin to Amber, who deftly caught it.

  Blake and Amber stepped closer to examine Kale’s scratches. None seemed particularly deep, so Kale didn’t need to visit the healer’s. Blake could tell that the blood on Kale’s face had simply come from wiping a bloodied hand across it. “Why did the wolf attack you?”

  Kale produced a smug smile. “We were carrying two deer, five rabbits, and two pheasants. It was hungry.”

  Amber whistled, sounding impressed. “What did you do with it all?”

  “Took it to the dining lodge. We are now greatly appreciated by the cooks.” Kale chuckled. “Though not so much by the hunters. Some turned the color of Shale’s face.”

  Shale tapped the blood-stained side in indication.

  “Is that why you were laughing?”

  “Partly. It was the cooks’ reaction that had us in stitches.” Kale again burst into laughter, so Shale continued for her.