The cart lurched as it carried Alam, Tajar, and Frost back towards the city of tents. Alam could scarcely remember the loud minutes between them leaving the quarry victorious, and climbing into the back of the cart. The adrenaline was gone leaving him exhausted and grief stricken. He had only known Prall for a short time but had come to like him very much. The senselessness of his death was sickening. He would love to have been able to shut everything out with sleep, but every bump sent a jolt of pain through his shoulder.

Frost slid next to him.

"This may be our only chance to talk without being heard," she said.

"Yes?" prompted Alam.

"What does she want?" Tajar scowled.

"Come closer and I'll tell you," she replied. Tajar shook his head but moved closer anyway.

"I want to make a deal with you," she whispered.

"We trusted you, Frost, but your word is worth nothing now," hissed Tajar.

"The box that Kirill has of yours," she ignored Tajar. "The one you refused to tell both him and Nurlan about?"

"Yes?" Alam prompted.

"I can get it for you."

"How?" asked Alam.

"I will steal it."

"Impossible," said Tajar.

"Not for me."

"And if you get the box what do you want in return?" asked Alam.

"That you let me travel with you to Lasthome."

"Why do you think we are heading there?" asked Tajar.

"Because I'm not an idiot."

"So," said Alam, "if you bring me the box we let you travel with us to Lasthome?"

"Yes."

"I can't believe you, Frost!" Tajar spat. "He saved your life! Twice! You should be doing this out of duty and honour, not trying to make a deal!"

"I repay my debts. But this is not that debt."

"And how can you even be thinking of this now!" Tajar continued. "Did you really care so little about Prall? He trained with you day after day and was in the cages with you for who knows how long, and you haven't even mentioned him!"

"Shut up Tajar!" She reached past Alam and slapped Tajar's face. "You don't know what you're talking about! He was the only person who liked me in the whole world! I used to think there were two others but I see I was wrong." Her eyes filled up with tears which she hastily rubbed away. "I will show my friendship for Prall by avenging his death. Then I will grieve." She closed her eyes, took a breath, tried to put her impassive face back on, and then looked to Alam. "Well, Alam? Deal?"

Alam inspected her, trying to read her. She was a mess of dust, scrapes, smeared tears, and dried blood, but underneath, despite her attempts to hide it, she was clearly heartbroken.

"I agree," he said softly. "But if you try to trick us, or fool us in any way... Actually, I'm too tired to think what we'll do. Just don't."

"Agreed," she replied.

Tajar scooted away shaking his head in disgust.

***

Alam scrubbed his hands and splashed water on his face. He then changed clothes and inspected himself.

It will have to do.

He visualised himself talking to Shaleh alone.

"Come away with me now Shaleh, while we can," he quietly rehearsed.

Too forceful?

"Please Shaleh, this is our chance to be together, come away with me," he tried another option.

Today IS my chance. 

But she's betrothed.

But she isn't married yet.

Alam left his small tent. Tajar was waiting for him.

"Let's go see our friends and family," he smiled.

They set out towards the Empa tents. Two Kashbal warriors followed them.

Tajar spun around to face them. "What do you want?" he demanded.

"King Kirill has not freed you yet, so we must follow you," one of them replied. He shrugged apologetically. "Don't worry, unless you do something stupid, we won't do anything other than follow you."

Alam clenched his jaw and sighed in frustration. Tajar swore loudly.

No private conversations then.

Even before reaching the Empa tents a string of people stopped to congratulate them on the challenge. Neither Alam nor Tajar could bear to hear the flippant way that many referred to Prall's death, as if it were entertainment.

When they finally reached their destination Alam went straight to Shaleh's tent and gently called out. Pim opened the tent flap. She shook her head sadly.

"Shaleh is not here," she said. "She is with her betrothed."

"Do you know where I can find them?"

"If you value my advice you'll stop thinking about her. You and Shaleh have different paths now." Alam bowed politely and walked away.

There is still tonight.

Tajar spent time with his mother while Alam spoke with Khalesar, but even that was ruined when a gaggle of Tajar's worshipers swamped the camp. Neither Alam nor Tajar could face their exuberance so they retreated back to their colourful tents.

Once alone on his pallet bad, disappointment and grief welled up inside Alam. His eyes stung as tears began to flow. Sobs wracked his body. He buried his face in his blankets so others would not hear him and think him weak. He pictured Prall's blissful face licking paint off his arm and then saw that same face falling lifeless from the Hellcat's jaws. Over and over the horrific scene played in his mind. When he could stand it no more he got up and went to Tajar's tent. Tajar was quickly wiping his eyes when Alam walked in.

"Do you mind if I sit in here too?" asked Alam.

"Of course not. Are you hungry? I have some cherries left."

"I'm not hungry."

"Me neither. What a day."

"At least the worst is over," said Alam as he sat down next to Tajar.

***

It was a perfect summer evening - cloudless, warm, and with a gentle breeze. It was as if nature was mocking Alam's grief.

Celebrations covered the entire camp. It was tradition that as the Meet drew to a close, clans would hold feasts to honour new bonds and alliances they had formed. Outside Kirill's tent the feasting was at its most lavish. Two whole cows, and three sheep, were turning over coals. It was the delicious smell of the meat that eventually drew Alam and Tajar out of their tents.

As the guests arrived Kirill, his wife, Alam, Tajar and Frost squatted on the ground before the low tables that had been set up for the feast. Each family approached the head table to offer respects to the Lord and Lady of Khashbal. Most of them were either the heads of other powerful clans, or Kirill's most trusted warriors. Alam's heart rose as he saw Urlock and Pim approach. He looked around eagerly and caught a glimpse of Shaleh. How he had missed her earlier was unbelievable. She was wearing a dress of breathtaking yellow silk and necklace of glittering silver which he had never seen on her before. She made everyone else at the feast look lifeless in comparison. His heart pounded and he started to rise, but then he noticed that she walked next to Nurlan and his stomach instantly tightened with envy. He sat back down. Tajar clapped him sympathetically on the back.

People milled around drinking and joking. Many came up to Alam, Tajar and Frost and praised them for their victory. After a time Kirill called them to be seated. He spoke for a long time and Alam found his mind, and his gaze, wandering repeatedly to Shaleh and Nurlan. The only time that Kirill's words engaged him was when he spoke directly to the three survivors.

"Although I must confess I am surprised that three of you survived the maze, I am prepared to fulfill my promise. Alam and Tajar, formerly of Empa Clan, and Xantia of the West, you are free! Here are your remaining possessions. Tomorrow your horses will be returned to you and you can go where you wish!"

Bundles were placed in front of Alam, Tajar and Frost. Alam rifled through his possessions.

"Where is my box?" he frowned.

"I have decided to keep it," smiled Kirill.

Alam looked furtively at Frost who met his gaze for a moment before turning her attention to her scant possessions in front of her.

The rest of the feast was agonising for Alam. Kirill spoke on and on about a million more things. Even when the food was brought out Alam found that his appetite was gone. He forced himself to eat out of courtesy but nothing more. Throughout the night he could not help glancing at the table where Shaleh and Nurlan sat.

He is worthy of her and an alliance with Khashbal will bring security to the Clan.

But will he make her happy?

Not like I can.

As the food was finished people rose from the tables. Instruments were brought out and wood piled on the fire. Alam could tell that all were having a wonderful time apart from himself and Frost, who stood apart from everyone looking grim. Tajar had perked himself up with the appearance of a couple of his worshipers who snuck in from between the tents. Even Shaleh was laughing and smiling as Nurlan spun her around the fire. Alam walked over to Frost. She seemed to be the only one to whom he could relate. He set his back to the fire so he could not see the dancing

"Why aren't you joining the festivities?" he asked.

"I need my head to be clear and my resolve firm. It is easier to do so when detached. Who is she?"

"Who is who?" Alam replied.

"The woman in silk that you have been staring at all night."

"Have I?"

"Yes. But then so has everybody else. That is the purpose of such a dress."

"She is someone I knew as a child, but she has changed since I last saw her."

"For the better, or the worst?"

"I'm not sure."

"Well here is your chance to find out." Frost walked away.

Alam turned his face back towards the fire and saw Shaleh approaching him. Behind her Nurlan nodded a respectful bow to Alam and then walked back to the fire.

"Hello Alam," she said. Her hands worried together in front of her.

"You have a new necklace I see," he indicated the silver around her neck.

"It was a dowry gift from Nurlan. He has been very generous," she looked down.

"Congratulations on your betrothal," he said. He tried to be sincere but it came out bitter anyway. He instantly regretted his tone when he saw the sides of her lips quiver.

"I am so sorry Alam." Her head bowed and she avoided his eyes. "If it makes you feel any better I am miserable too."

Although he could see her pain, he had a hard time keeping the edge out of his voice. "You didn't look very miserable a few moments ago when you and Nurlan were dancing."

"Mother said it was important that I put on a good show," she said in a small voice. "She said that if others saw me unhappy that it could affect their impression of my upcoming marriage."

"When will that be?"

"The Clan will stop by Khashbal on the way back to our lands. The wedding will happen then. Probably three days away."

Alam closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Three days.

"Alam, I was so worried today," she reached out and gently laid her hand on his crossed forearm.

"Were you there? I looked for you." Their eyes met. Her dark eyes were rimmed with tears.

"Yes, of course I was there. I couldn't keep away, but I couldn't watch either. I am so glad that you both survived."

"A large part of me wishes I hadn't," he muttered.

"Why are you punishing me?" she flashed. "Do you think this is what I want?"

"Then come away with me!" Alam grabbed her arm and stepped closer. "Nurlan's back is to us! Now is our chance!"

"You don't really mean that..."

"Yes I do!" he whispered fiercely and drawing closer to her. "Let's go! We can grab horses and be gone before we are missed!"

"And then what?"

"We go north to Lasthome and make a new life."

"You want me to leave our friends and family behind?" She moved back frowning.

"You will be anyway. Nurlan is neither of those to you. Do you love him?" Alam demanded.

"No..."

"But I love you, and I know you love me. We're made for each other."

"Stop, Alam." Shaleh pulled her arm out of his grip.

"Are you saying you don't feel the same?"

"I am betrothed to Nurlan now."

"I like Nurlan," said Alam. "He is a good man. But he won't make you happy like I will."

Shaleh crossed her arms. "You would have me abandon my family's wellbeing?"

"No, of course..."

"That is what will happen if I go with you. You're being selfish."

"Just hear me out..."

Shaleh took a deep breath. "Thank you for your friendship, Alam..."

"Friendship?" He felt like he had just been punched in the stomach.

"... I wish I could stay here with you longer but I can't. I must join him..."

"Wait..."

"Alam, in case I never have the chance to say it again, I hope you have a happy and long life..." her voice broke.

"Don't say goodbye..."

"... I will always..."

"Stop Shaleh."

"...treasure our time together."

"Shaleh, no. Come away with me..." He reached out but she stepped back.

"Goodbye, Alam."

"Don't go, please don't go," he begged.

She wiped her eyes, straightened her back, turned away, and walked towards Nurlan.

-----------------------------

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-Y. V. Qualls