The Mask of Tamirella Page 13

  “I’m surprised at you, Whit,” the healer scolded. “I thought you wanted a healthy baby.”

  “I do.”

  “Obviously you don’t.”

  “We were just sparring, Marjordan. Nothing dangerous about that,” she said curtly. “Besides, I’m a warrior, and warriors have fought through pregnancies for centuries.”

  At that moment, Cait heard a loud slap. She jerked her head up to see Whit crouched on the ground at Marjordan’s feet, a position of deference to the healer.

  The older woman stood over her. “I’m the healer on this dig and I’m responsible for keeping you and your child healthy. I do not intend to have another mutant child born into this world if I can prevent it. You will do as I say. And you’ll do it without protest. Is that clear? Or do I need to slap some sense into that hard head of yours?”

  Whithelen drew herself upright, eyes lowered. “I’ll do as you say, Healer. I wish to have a healthy baby.”

  Cait realized that the warrior was crying. She’d never seen the woman cry and couldn’t wrench her eyes from Whit’s wet face.

  Marjordan let out a long breath. “I’m glad to hear that. Now, let’s figure out what we’re going to have for noonmeal.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Caitlanna,” Marjordan said.

  She involuntarily jumped at her primary’s voice and the use of her entire first name. “Yes, P-Marj?” she said quickly. She didn’t intend to test the woman’s mood, so she scampered over.

  “When you and Jen are finished cataloguing your finds, I could use help mending clothes.”

  Cait smiled in relief. “Of course.” She crossed back to the finder.

  Jenellen concentrated on the contents of her bag, and Cait didn’t think the woman even noticed that she’d left for a moment. She said the finder’s name twice before getting her attention from the artifacts.

  “What? Oh, sorry, Cait. I just want to get these things taken care of before noonmeal.”

  She smiled with understanding. “We will.” At that, she sat on the ground and searched through her own bag.

  Chapter 19

  Delays

  That evening, the rain had lessened quite a bit and the group had hopes of sun the next day. It was still cold and they managed a small fire just inside the cave entrance. Caitlanna sat with her primary and the other women as they mended leggings, tunics and socks. The men washed nighmeal dishes and fed the mounts.

  “Ow,” Cait said, when she absently pricked her finger with the needle. She put the bleeding finger in her mouth. Her mind was on the ancient room and she found it difficult to concentrate on much of anything else.

  “Pay attention to your sewing, girl,” Marjordan said.

  “Yes, ma’am.” She glanced at the tunnel before focusing on the socks in her lap.

  Whit had been unusually quiet since the incident with Marjordan but she did everything the healer ordered without protest. Paulucas must have found out because he periodically checked about her needs and her health. Whit tolerated him, barely.

  “I’m not an invalid, Paul,” the woman said, when he brought her yet another blanket. “I’m just having a baby.”

  “You’re not just having any baby. You’re having my baby.” Natjulie groaned at her brother’s words. “You got a problem with something?” he said in a dangerous voice as he eyed his younger sister.

  “As a matter of fact, I do,” Nat said with unusual confidence. “You’re annoying everyone, Lucas. We already have a healer. We don’t need your limited expertise.”

  Cait tensed. The girl rarely took that tone with her primary. With anyone, for that matter. Paulucas pulled to his full height and stepped to his seated sister. She held his gaze. His jaw muscles rippled slightly as he studied her and she began to chew on her lower lip.

  Suddenly, he let out a hearty laugh and slapped her back. “You’re right. I have been a little overprotective, haven’t I?”

  Natjulie sat stunned for a moment then smiled up at her brother. “Yes, you have. And in my opinion, Lucas, you’d be a nightmare of a healer.”

  That sent the man roaring with laughter. Soon everyone in the cave chortled along. Cait laughed so hard that tears formed in her eyes. She felt this was much needed merriment for such a tense day and relished the release.

  Paul finally got some control of his emotions and turned to Marjordan. “Don’t you think I’d make a good healer?” There was a slight pout on his broad mouth, which gave him a comical look.

  Marjordan laughed harder at his statement and popped his leg with the tunic she’d been sewing. “If the day comes that you gain healer status, I’ll retire and move to the Shore Sanction.” She waved the garment at him. “I don’t trust you to sew up a hole in one of these.”

  He lowered his head. “I’ve been thoroughly insulted.”

  “Go finish your chores.”

  He let out an exaggerated sigh and sauntered back to the other men. They ribbed him for several minutes about mothering Whithelen, telling him that perhaps she should’ve knocked him up instead of the other way around. He took their jibes in good humor.

  Cait was still chuckling when the ground suddenly shook. She bolted to her feet along with the others.

  “What the hell was that?” Quin said.

  “Damn,” Jenellen muttered, and she charged toward the tunnel. Her body was halfway through the entrance when Ian caught up with her. He hauled her out of the tunnel despite her protests. “Stop it, Ian. I have to check the site.”

  “Not at the risk of getting caught in a cave-in, you won’t.” She jerked her arm out of his grasp and started into the tunnel again. Again, he pulled her out. “I’m a finder here. I’ll have you restrained for this.” Fire lit her eyes.

  He met her gaze with an equally threatening one. “You can punish me later, Finder. But I know it’s dangerous in there right now. I won’t allow you to kill yourself over some stupid artifacts. The reward isn’t that important.”

  For a moment, Jen looked as though she would punch the tall man, until a puff of dust pushed through the tunnel and filled a portion of the cave. The group stepped back from the dust but Cait sucked in enough to make her cough a few times.

  Jen’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, Ian,” she said a bit stunned. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  He smiled. “You’re forgiven. I’m just glad I could stop you.”

  “Now what do we do?” Cait said. She had just as much invested in this dig as anyone. More, in fact. “Someone has to check out the site. I’ll be glad to volunteer once the dust settles.”

  “You’ll do no such thing,” Marjordan told her. “I don’t want anyone going in there until we’re sure the area is stable again.” She turned to Jen. “You’re lucky it was Ian who stopped you. I wouldn’t have been so gracious.”

  The finder visibly winced and lowered her eyes.

  “This cave may not be stable even in here,” Marjordan added, glancing around. “It’s still too wet to camp outside.” She sighed. “Ian, can you brace this area? At least enough to give us time to flee before a cave-in if we have to.”

  Ian scanned the cave, his mouth crooked in thought. “I think we can stabilize it enough for that. What do you think?” He looked to Paul, Whit, Quin and Jen.

  The four nodded.

  “Most of the cave-ins,” Jenellen said, “have occurred in the deeper areas. If we stay near the entrance, we should be fairly safe.”

  “That’s it then,” Ian said. “Quin, Paul and I will cut some wood. Whit, you help Jen figure out the best areas to brace. She’s studied the maps of this cave more than any of us. The rest of you can move everything near the entrance.”

  They all agreed and got straight to their tasks. Cait, Marjordan, Sam and Nat moved stools, crates, lamps and the rest of the supplies. Once everything had been placed near the entrance, the three youngest set up eating and sleeping areas while Marjordan rummaged through the food bags for noonmeal. Cait gave anxious glances tow
ard the tunnel ever few minutes. Weeks of work buried under possibly several feet of debris. No more dust had come from the tunnel and she wanted to check out the site, even with the risks involved. Her primary must have noticed because the woman studied her now and then.

  They still hadn’t found the Mask and tears of loss filled her eyes as she put the last of the blankets out with Natjulie. She sat, wiped at her eyes, and watched as Whit and Jen surveyed the cavern walls, searching out weak spots. A hand landed on her shoulder and she jumped slightly. When she looked up, Marjordan stood over her.

  “You’ve done well here,” the woman said a soft voice. “Our sub-sanction will have much to celebrate.” Her throat tightened and she nodded. Marjordan squeezed her shoulder and she smiled in an attempt to reassure the woman. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Cait. I’m thankful no one was in there.” Marjordan glanced at the tunnel.

  Suddenly, guilt flooded her. She hadn’t even thought about someone being inside. They were lucky, all of them. Had the incident happened an hour earlier or later.... “You’re right, P-Marj. I’m thankful, too.”

  Marjordan smiled warmly then patted her cheek. “Finish up here. You and Nat can help with noonmeal. I’m sure Jen will find another way into the ancient room. That one’s got too much determination, even for a finder.”

  Cait and Nat chuckled. The other two women hadn’t heard any of what Marjordan said, or they hadn’t cared. Both seemed to be in total concentration of their task.

  The men were back by noonmeal with nails and hastily cut planks, and the group ate before putting braces into place. That took up all of their time until nighmeal. The rain finally stopped and the evening sun peeked from between the gray clouds. They got a large fire going just outside the cave and ate a hot meal for the first time in two days.

  Marjordan and Whithelen watched camp while the others took the horses out for a run before dark, careful to stay away from the flooded areas. The animals seemed grateful after being cooped up during the rains. Once they returned, Cait’s muscles were sore from all of the physical exertion. Marjordan had several pots of warm water ready for washing and the warmth felt soothing against Cait’s aching muscles.

  She fretted over the cave-in and wondered what morning would bring. Would they be able to get back into the ancient room? Would they find Tamirella’s doll or would they have to abandon the search? These and other questions sat on her mind and she fought the urge to charge into the tunnel like some half-mad finder.

  Chapter 20

  Search for the Ancient Room

  Footsteps woke her the next morning and she rolled onto her back. Her muscles screamed with the movement and she groaned. Another moan nearby caught her ears.

  Natjulie had a pained look on her face. The girl sat and rubbed at her shoulders then glanced over and grimaced. “Every muscle in my body hurts,” she complained.

  Cait grinned. “Same here. That’s what we get for letting the warriors exercise our horses while we dig.”

  Jenellen stepped between them. “You two had better get moving. We have to start digging through to the site today.”

  “Go away,” Nat said with a slight smirk.

  Jen ignored the girl’s comment. “You’re on first shift with me, Cait.”

  “We’re going through the tunnel?” She gave the area a wary look. She wanted to get to the artifacts but another cave-in made her nervous, despite her ambitious thoughts from last night.

  “Of course not, girl. Where’s your brain?” Jen sounded irritable. “We have to come in from the outside.” She mumbled something but Cait couldn’t make it out.

  “I’ll take care of them, Finder,” Marjordan said as she entered the cave with a wooden spoon in one hand. “You go and eat.”

  Jen looked past the healer to the outside. “I’m not hungry. We’ve too much to do.” She started out but the older woman sidestepped into her path.

  “You may be a finder, Jen, but I’m the healer on this dig.” She shook her spoon. “You want to work, you’ll eat.”

  “Fine.” Jen threw up her hands in defeat. “Anything to get back to work.” She grunted as she passed Marjordan.

  “Why’s she so upset?” Nat attempted to stand. Her legs were obviously sore and she kept her knees bent, torso forward, like an old woman. “Ooh. I didn’t think it’d been that long since I was in a saddle.” She fell back on her blankets and let out another groan.

  Marjordan smiled. “You’re both going to be a bit uncomfortable I’m afraid.”

  “Now you tell me,” Nat complained.

  “Jenellen’s got Finder’s Fever, girls. I want you to keep an eye on her. She starts to do something stupid, you have my permission to interfere. If you can’t stop her, then send for Ian or me. Do you both understand?” They nodded. “I know you’ve had your own problems with the Fever, Cait, but I trust your father taught you to be careful.”

  “Yes, ma’am. As a matter of fact, he did.” She grinned at her primary.

  “Mmm. Just see that your smug attitude doesn’t get someone injured.” Cait let her smile fade. “Now both of you get your backsides up and help with chores.” Marjordan stepped to the entrance and waited a moment but neither girl moved. “Now. Unless you need some motivation.” She snapped the wooden spoon against her palm.

  “I’m getting up,” Cait said quickly. Unfortunately, her legs protested and she ended up bent over, nursing her thigh muscles.

  Natjulie laughed. “Hey, old woman.”

  “If this is what it’s like to get old, I think I’ll pass.”

  “You’re not going to see tomorrow if you don’t get your backsides to work.” Marjordan gave them a slight grin and stepped outside.

  The cave was empty now except for the two girls.

  “Everyone’s in such a hurry today,” Nat complained as she stood again with effort.

  The two walked around for a moment, amid grumbles and groans, before rolling up their blankets.

  “Think we have any chance getting into the ancient room?” Nat eyed the tunnel.

  Cait shrugged. She didn’t want to think about losing that Mask. She hadn’t even known about it until she and Marjordan had arrived at this camp but she was determined to find it. She realized Nat was speaking to her again. “What?”

  “I said I’m going out before your primary decides to motivate my sore backside with that spoon.” She already had her boots on.

  Cait smiled. Marjordan would never do that but she would come up with some nasty chores to discourage future lateness. “Oh, sure. I’ll be right there.” Cait sat carefully and scratched at her itching feet. When she pulled off her sock the skin around her toes was red and peeling. “P-Marj!”

  Marjordan stepped into the cave, spoon still in her hand, this time with something dripping from it. “What is it, Cait?”

  She put her foot into the air. “Rot.”

  Her primary stepped close for a better look. “Mmm. I’ll whip up some salve but you need to put your boots on. It’s too damp and cold for bare feet.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She pulled her sock back on then her boots. She didn’t bother tying them before she stepped outside by the fire.

  After mornmeal, Cait rubbed salve between her toes and put on a clean pair of socks. She donned her equipment and followed Jen and Ian up the hill that housed the ancient cavern. Two stools sat crookedly on the uneven ground near a circle of painted marker rocks, two large picks and a shovel. Cait wondered when they’d been placed there.

  “This area,” Jenellen explained, “is directly over the ancient room. At least, we hope. We plan to lower down on ropes and bring the rest of the artifacts out that way.” She tossed two ropes on the ground, and Ianandy dropped another two near hers.

  “When did you do all this?” Cait said. They had all bedded down together the previous night.

  “Some of us are up with the sun, girl.” Jen sounded irritated. “Let’s start digging. It’s stable right here but be careful. And stick to the marked area.
We don’t want to trigger another cave-in. Put on one of those harnesses.” She pointed to the ropes. “Ian will secure us to that tree.”

  The man helped them into the rope harnesses and secured the length of the ropes to a nearby tree with a very thick trunk. The thing looked ancient and twisted through a huge, cracked boulder.

  Cait didn’t think even the heaviest rains would budge it, and she felt more secure wearing the harness. It chafed a bit between her thighs but she thought that was better than falling several feet to the cave floor.

  With alternate teams, they spent the next couple of hours digging and picking through the wet, rocky ground. The task was tedious and the ground’s thickness surprised Caitlanna. She thought for sure they’d be through to the cavern by now. She was anxious to find the Mask and thought of little Tamirella as she pushed her shovel into the dirt for what seemed the millionth time.

  The young girl had lived in this cave and others in ancient days. Cait wondered what her life had been like. The world had come a long way since then. She felt lucky to have been born after the establishment of the Sanctions. They had healers, warriors, finders, strikers, hunters, metalworkers, gardeners, cloth dyers, and many other luxuries. There were hostilities on occasion but no war in many years. The mutants were the most feared, and every child learned early on to stay away from the occupied forests.

  From Tamirella’s diary, Cait knew that each family fended for themselves in the little girl’s time. They moved around in order to avoid robbers, murderers and rapists. A shiver ran up her back at the thought of living every day like that. Each day in fear for your life.

  “We’re not on break, yet, girl,” Jen’s voice broke through her thoughts.

  Cait realized she was leaning on her shovel. She gave the woman an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Finder.”

  The woman grunted, wiped sweat from her face with her sleeve, and continued to heave her pick into the hard rock. Cait forced her thoughts on her task, and the two soon gave their tools over to Sam and Nat as Quin stood watch.