Unknotted

After we had transported the prisoners to our camp to be sorted and handed the sub-dom over to our ultras, Chet and I relaxed on a hill overlooking Lothny Creek. Our armor was piled beside us, our leather jackets and boots airing out in the grass. I stank of old sweat so strongly my nose hairs curled. But Chet smelled just as bad, so I allowed my stench to permeate the air awhile longer and grant my aching, exhausted body a few moments rest.

Hand pressed against the ground, I strained to feel a connection with the earth. It felt lifeless beneath my fingers, even as the tide washed the magic in again. The world flashed bright in the pale morning light. Colors chased away the gray world that existed without magic. Sounds, sights, and smells sharpened. I inhaled it all in, savoring it like nourishment I had been needing.

Beside me, Chet stretched, and tension that creased his brows eased.

Still, I felt disconnected from the land. This was not my territory. Not yet.

I knew the instant my ultras killed Sub-Dom Phiston. Invisible magical cords stretching from my fingers interlaced with the loose ends rising from the earth. Those cords knotted unbreakably into my already tied coavani knot. I raised my hand a few inches, willing the earth to follow my palm. Obediently it arched into a little knoll.

Chet also tested his knot, setting a pebble on his palm. Without touching it, the rock flew from his hand and pinged off a nearby tree. He grinned. “This land is ours.”

I sighed, regretting the cost it had taken to make it so. Why did it take so much sacrifice to accomplish what the Core had asked of us? “One step closer to fulfilling the prophecy,” I mumbled.

“One step closer.” Chet offered me a fist bump.

More than a little exhausted physically and emotionally, I tapped my knuckles against his.

Tydeus strode up the hill. “Looks like naps are in order.”

“But it’s time to celebrate!” Chet protested. “I saw this place on the way into town. Claimed to have the best burgers in Namen.”

I snorted. “We aren’t in Namen anymore.”

“Maybe they’ll have the best ones in Keadan now.” He smiled that grin that accused me of being lame, then turned to Tydeus. “We haven’t had a break in weeks. What better way to refuel than to stuff ourselves with meat?”

“What’s the name of the place?” Tydeus asked, scratching at his beard.

“Fluffy burgers. Or Fatty burgers. Something like that.”

“You mean Chubby Burgers?” Tydeus offered.

Chet snapped his fingers. “That’s it.” He grabbed my shoulder and dragged me to my feet. “Come on, Soldier! Meat!”

I looked to Tydeus for approval. He nodded, saying, “Fine. Tonight, burgers at Chubby’s.”