The Runner- Ch. II Shane
I woke up laying over top of the cougar the next morning. Jerking back up into a sitting position, I blushed a little, hoping no one had seen, but it was just us two, and he didn't seem to have woken up yet. Pressing my paw against his neck, I felt his pulse beating, and the gentle rise and fall of his chest told me he was still breathing. Glad that the Cargharan hadn't died in the night, I got up and stretched. My legs were stiff from sleeping in such an awkward position. I would need to stretch properly before going back on the road again, though. As I opened the curtains, I heard a little rustle from behind, and then a voice spoke hoarsely in Cargharan, "Where am I?"
"You're at an inn, though you should be in a clinic." I retorted. Turning around to face him, I saw him struggling to sit up, but he fell back into the bed before I could reach him with a gasp of pain. "Hey, take it easy." I advised. Pulling back the blankets to reveal the gauze, I saw the red stain of blood slowly expanding. "How did you get such a wound?" I interrogated.
"Damn assassin. He's been chasing me for weeks now. Finally caught up, though, but I didn't let him at me that easy... Gave him some scars he won't soon forget." His voice was gruff, and kind of cute in a way.
I cocked my head in curiosity. "An assassin? Why would an assassin be after you?"
"It... it's something I know, but..." He grunted in frustration. "I can't remember! I just know that it was really important..."
it was obvious that whatever he couldnt remember had him very upset. I placed my paw over his forehead. It was burning hot, meaning that he had a fever. "Can you remember how you got here?" I queried.
He seemed to be concentrating hard. "I... no, I can't... Why am I having so much trouble?"
"Seems like you have some short term memory loss. You passed out after coming in here. What's your name?"
"My name is Shane. Who are you?"
"I'm Clad. Pleasure to meet you." I looked away, a bit embarrassed. "I, uh... Had to give you CPR. You're lucky to be alive."
For a moment we were both silent, then he spoke, "You saved my life. I am in your debt."
I wasn't sure of what to say. Luckily though, there was a knock on the door. "Come in." I invited in Surthan, and Athad entered the room. I began filling him in.
"... He just needs rest now." I finished. Athad's expression was impossible to read and I could tell that Shane was uncomfortable. "Regardless, I still have a job to run. "
Athad spoke regretfully, "Yes. Something this important cannot be delayed. We must leave soon." I nodded to him, and waited for a reaction from Shane, but he only looked confused.
"Do you not know Cheerhan?" I asked in his native tongue.
"Not much, I'm afraid. What did you say? Are you going to leave?"
It was strange to think that a Cargharan wouldn't know Cheerhan, given that our societies have had much interaction with eachother over the course of history, and that we share a rather large border. But then again, Cheerha, being located in the center of the feline continent Akhara, was a major trading hub, so most Cheerhans knew at least Cheerhan, Surthan, Cargharan, and maybe Liharan. I was also mildly taken aback at the worry in his voice, but somewhat delighted.
"Well, yes. I am one of the king's personal messengers, a runner. I'm on a job right now..."
"And what of me?"
I thought for a moment before replying confidently, "The best thing for you now is to rest here for a few days and recover, maybe try to remember what you thought you were doing in northern Cheerha. We will be back here in less than a week."
Shane was looking distraught, his ears flattened back, and for good reason. "Where are you going?"
Athad and I exchanged an uneasy glance, but I answered first in case Athad might give something away; saved his life or not, Shane was still a Cargharan. "Sorry, but the less that know, the safer for us. Do you have the muny to pay for your stay?" I sweeped my spotted tail across the ground as I lowered myself into a stretch. Muny was the currency of Akhara, made up of silver and gold coins.
"No..."
I stiffened and almost fell flat on my face. Brutally honest, he seems. Jumping to my paws, I demanded, "You mean you don't have any munies!?"
"Nope." He confirmed remorselessly, and I just gaped at him. How did he have no muny? He doesn't look like he's starving. Nevermind, I decided not to inquire further; if he was a thief, then I would have nothing to do with him.
I slumped over and groaned, "I guess I'll pay then..." Which was not good, since a runner's pay was really just enough to cover travel expenses. But I never complained; I was in a high place, and I served my king. I got to see many exotic places and meet all kinds of furrs.
"I'm very sorry, but I simply don't have any. Please forgive me, I already owe you more than I could ever repay." He spoke miserably.
"You do not have to pay in full. I-" Athad put in before I cut him off.
"No, I insist; even so, I feel I must compensate you something for all you have done. Here." I reached down into my satchel and pulled out a coin pouch. In it was the muny I had been saving up for seasons since the last time I had been to Panthera. When I was there, I was stunned by the beauty of their craftsmanship, and sought to purchase a new sword there, since my standard issue Cheerhan sword, though it had served me well, was old and dull, and if I took it to a blacksmith for sharpening, it would likely break anyway. Regardless, I handed him five gold coins. His expression was uncertain, so I pleaded, "You must accept this, it is the least I can do."
The lynx hesitated for a moment, but then took my offering. "You are very kind, my friend. But even so, we must be leaving soon. I will go and prepare." At that, the lynx left, shutting the door behind him, leaving us alone.
"Why are you going through such trouble for me?" His tone was bleakly curious, but his expression was troubled.
I thought for a moment before replying, "It does not matter if you were even a Hurshken, I only seek to better the lives of others." We were silent after that, and I began to finish wrapping my paws. I put on my jacket and scarf, and proceeded to leave the room. I swore I could feel his yellow eyes boring into me, so I turned around at the door to face him. "Shane?"
"...Yes?"
"I need you to promise me something."
He didn't respond, only waited for me to continue.
"I need you to promise me that you'll still be here when I get back."
We only stared back at eachother, my green eyes determined, and his yellow reluctant. I knew he wanted to try and sneak away.
"I promise."