Sharing Booty

The door squeaked open and Oakot appeared on the porch, arms behind his back. "Thank you for trying, Boone ... But I'm, sadly, here for life ... in face, if my master knows I've stepped on this here porch, he'd likely whip me good ... but a few lashing is worth saying a proper goodbye to you."

Boone raised his hand, "then give a proper goodbye."

The boy hesitated before taking up his hand. And, for once, his lips folded back, grinning with all his teeth. After several shakes, and Boone's arm growing numb, he pulled his hand away. Oakot was baffled, looking at the golden coin glimmering in his hand.

"No ... No, Boone!" He tried to hand it back, eye twitching, head jerking. "If Master finds out he'll think I stole it!"

"Then don't let him!" Boone said, smirking. "Besides, that's your share."

"My share?"

Boone nodded. "Your information helped us win the tournament, and I thank you for that. You didn't have anything in the world — and now you do — that coin and my friendship."

The boy stammered, "we're friends?"

Boone laughed and gave him another quick shake, "you're damn right we are."

Oakot didn't look it, but he was able to smile even larger and more toothy then before. "Thank you, my ... friend."

"No." Boone said. "Thank you."

***

There was a line outside the train station that extended three grueling blocks and the sun was already burning away the morning.

Boone tapped his foot, counting the crows that were perched on the buildings; too many to count on both hands. Every time he'd gotten close one would fly off and rouse the bunch.

"What are you doing?" Leslie asked, amused by his waving finger.

"Counting crows. It keeps my mind off the ... memories." He said, trying to conceal his teeth. The last few days were sleepless, sweaty nights, reliving the colosseum and the night Grandpappy left them. "The only thing that seems to help."

Leslie kneeled allowing their eyes to meet, stroking his blondish-brown hair that'd grown a few inches since they'd left. "For a long time I had nightmares ... ones that haunted me since I was your age." She touched her throat, brushing her fingers against the black-bruises that ruined her complexion.

"Nightmares that remind you of what happened there?"

She nodded. "I hid them away, unable to face them until I had no other choice. You don't want to do that. Besides, you've got a brilliant smile."

The boy tried to fight it, but his lips raised, exposing the chipped teeth inside.

"That's better," Leslie rubbed his head. "Keep wearing that smile. It fits you best."

Boone did as she said up until a thick, furred beast appeared on the street, sending people scurrying to each side, finding a porch to stand upon. It had the scars of many battles, though its eyes were bright and kind.

Behind them, a long row of horses trotted through the sand. Bear head crowns resting on each Cyoakian head. The Chief, Leofort, and his Queen, Lyseria, at the front, while Lyolis and Zoar rode behind them. Droom and Brylax at the rear. Each with their chests out, heads high, and eyes forward.

Boone said, smiling. "Save my spot ... I'll be right back." He ran towards Princess's horse that was brown as fall leaves. "Hey, Lyolis!" Boone waved his hand, trying not to catch the attention of the bear. "Lyolis! Here!"

His voice finally carried over the racket of the crowd and she'd turned to face him. "Boone!" Lyolis's smile was bright as summer. She waved from her horse, carrying forward. "I was hoping we'd meet once more."

"As was I," He said, matching her smile, though his smile was not quite up to hers, chipped and gapped. "It was you in the colosseum — you had control of that Cyoakian and saved me — was it not?"

Lyolis laughed eyeing her parents then Zoar who's head was down, looking as though he had no happiness left within him.

"Yes, it was me ... but keep your voice down."

Boone nodded, his grin growing. "I knew it! I just want to thank you for saving my life."

Lyolis's cheeks brightened red as blossoming roses, "it was nothing." She eyed Zoar making sure he stayed uninterested then turned back towards Boone. "Truth is, I'm ashamed of what I did ... no matter what that man had done, I shouldn't have taken his life."

"But you had no other choice ... if you hadn't I would be riding into the prairie."

Lyolis nodded, eyes staring blankly.

Boone patted the horse, and she whipped her head at his touch. "She's beautiful ..."

His voice drew Lyolis back from where she'd gone. "Beautiful and a great friend." Lyolis rubbed her neck. "And we've only just begun our relationship."

"Are you not taking the train?"

After what happened?" She laughed sweetly. "My father never wants to take one again ... we will ride our way home. And you?"

Boone pointed a thumb over his shoulder. They both laughed.

"Here!" Boone said, flipping a coin. "Something to remember me by."

Lyolis nearly fell off her horse, catching the coin. "What is this?"

"Your share for helping us win." Boone stopped while the horses continued forward. "Tale care Princess."

"Wait!" Lyolis said, tearing a strip of leather with beads from her hide. She tossed it to him and Boone swiped it from the air. "Until we meet again."

"I look forward to that day."

Boone held onto the leather tightly, watching them until they disappeared in the crowd and the dust.