16 Chapter 16: Coppermill

Rain was thoroughly exhausted. Her eyes were strained and her eye lids felt heavy. As soon as the storm passed they had to dry their clothing in the sun, awkwardly trying to not stare at each other's nakedness for too long. Of course that was impossible. The alleged thief's name was Grail, or at least that's what he claimed his name was. He spent most of his time ogling over her. He went so far as to bribe her with his manhood in the open. Rain knew he wanted her, his lustful desires on the edge of control. Had Zane or the others not been there he probably would have tried to force himself on her. After refusing his multiple advances she knew he would continue to be a problem.

The light had fully exposed them, Rains grey skin seemed supple and vibrant. She covered her bright pink nipples knowing Grail was having a hard time not noticing her curves. He wasn't the only one. Maxine's milky white skin gleamed next to hers, and she caught her eyes watching the condensation roll down her skin.

Trying to keep her mind off her nakedness she looked outside. The sun made her feel more uncomfortable than the storm had, and this time she knew she would have to walk in it. Rain felt trapped, she couldn't stand the sun but the writing in the caves made her feel equally disturbed.

When she finally was able to put on her leggings they were still caked in dry mud and smelled like mulch. Her tunic had green algae from the rocks they laid on, she tried to clean it off before putting it on. It had also been ripped down the center, exposing more flesh than she would have liked. It's not like it matters that much anyway, she decided. Her vest was perhaps the only thing that was unscathed during the whole debacle, it fit her perfectly and wasn't damaged.

"You know Zane was right, you really are a looker," Maxine whispered to her as she put on her clothes.

"He said that, but he couldn't keep his eyes off you," Rain shot back to her.

"He wasn't the only one," Maxine's voice trailed. Rain could tell she wasn't referring to just Grail.

She just had to say that, Rain thought to herself. She decided not to respond, and quickly walked away to the entrance. She was tired of the sexual frustrations that had been brewing over the past several hours. She stood only a foot away from the light. The heat from the sun made her skin boil just from being close to it, memories of previous agonies echoed in her mind.

"Now that we've all been properly acquainted, it's time to move." Zane almost seemed disappointed by seeing everyone clothed again, "Yes Rain this is the part that's going to suck, but it's only a matter of time before the order finds this place." He gestured to the others who weren't cursed to leave. Maxine put on her cowl and walked out right behind them.

She's going to try to look at me one more time, Rain was already growing suspicious that Maxine's friendship might be coming dangerously close to desire on her part. She was right, Maxine looked at her with an awkward smile; her eyes noticing her ripped shirt exposing the curves of her breasts and stomach. Was she blushing?

"Ok we need to move, lady's first" he extended his arm for her and she just looked to the sunlight.

Very slowly she walked outside. Like before the light punished her, but unlike before it wasn't as spiteful. It still hurt like hell, she cringed and it took every ounce of energy she had not to scream. She wished she had a robe or something. Zane and Maxine were cringing too, but they were accepting the pain. Zane approached her from behind and gently pushed her forward.

As they walked each step was painful, the shade from the trees her only solace. How could anyone survive like this? Asking the question seemed mute.

"Please tell me we've come up with something better than Direstead?" Rain asked as her skin felt like it was been scraped by a dull edge. It was better than having it feel like it was being flayed off like last time.

"There's an abandoned village several miles further into the woods, it's not on any map," The thief said quickly, "I should know I used to go there to trade my..." he paused trying to think of something to lie about trading.

"You mean you went there to hide out after you robbed from us?" The servant girl Alita cut him off. She looked to Zane, "If he's talking about Coppermill I would rather take my chances with the Mournful Host."

"Why's that?" Maxine asked.

"Because it's haunted, it has been since the red cough and no one goes there."

"Has anyone noticed any shadows yet?" Rain felt the immediate tension of being watched. But studying the trees surrounding them they appeared alone for now.

"The cult doesn't like the daylight, and there probably sheltered from last night. It's our only advantage." Zane answered her calmly and continued to trail from behind. He was acting as a rearguard, ensuring nothing could catch them by surprise.

"There not the only ones" Rain was talking about the sunlight.

"If this town isn't on any map then we should be safe there, safer than here anyway." Fiala seemed to be stronger than last night. Her wound no longer bleeding or making her pause in pain. "Then it's decided, on we go to Coppermill, haven of thieves and ghosts. Can't wait," Fiala took the lead. Rain was glad they weren't looking up to her for leadership right now.

For hours they cautiously marched, keeping track of every noise or smell that they encountered. When they discovered the remains of gravel roads and a torn down wall they knew they had arrived. The town of Coppermill was just a small collection of huts surrounding an old well at the center. Only one building was made of brick and mortar, and its ceiling had caved in. There was nothing of any interest in the old village.

"What a dump," Zane remarked lifting a beam to reveal a collection of worms and Beatles underneath. He dropped it promptly.

Grail on the other hand moved past them to a lone structure on the other side, the building was slightly larger than the others with a second story. It's railing seemed more intact. The wood exterior was full of gaps and some of it had rotten, but compared to the others it was still in one piece.

"It's still looking good! Hurry everyone over here!" Grail was excited as he forced the door open and went inside. Eager to be out of the sun Rain followed him. As soon as she entered she realized why he was so excited. A bar stand was tucked near the corner, and row upon row of old tables collected in front of it. The building was an old inn.

Grail was shuffling through a stash of boxes behind it, "I can't believe it! No ones touched it, maybe our lucks finally turning." He placed bottle after bottle of spirits on the bar table. Wines, meads, and clear liquids of country whiskey were presented.

She felt her stomach tighten, free from the sun she was allowed to notice how hungry she was. Zane entered the inn he was pleased at the collection of bottles Grail was finding, "Now this is what I call a warm welcome!" He smirked at Rain and walked over to Grail. He had found some wooden cups that had been sitting in the cabinets.

After the two shared a couple of shots Grail looked to her, "Rain...why don't you come over here and join us?" He offered her a cup of the clear whiskey.

She wouldn't deny how thirsty she was, but she would have rather preferred water. Still she walked to the bar stool and accepted the cup. The smell stung her nostrils and was unfamiliar to her. She took a sip and the burning sensation made her cough.

"There she goes, she really is a first timer," Grail laughed as Zane patted her on the back, "just take the shot in one good gulp, don't think about it. It'll go down easier that way."

Is it really safe to be taking this guys advice? She felt like she already knew the answer but did what he asked anyway. She gulped it down and the stinging made her squint her eyes, "Thats awful."

"Trust me it gets better," Zane offered her another shot, "you deserve it, walking in the sunlight...I know it hurt like hell." The compassion in his eyes helped her relax and she accepted the cup.

"I guess it's true what they say about you cursed lot, but you saved us so far and for that I'm grateful," Grail offered a shot to Zane and poured one for himself. The three each drank it in one quick succession.

The second shot wasn't as bad as the first, and Rain couldn't deny it helped loosen the tension. Maxine entered followed immediately behind by Fiala. As soon as he saw her Zane smiled and offered her a glass. At first Rain thought she was going to outright refuse it, but one node from her was all it took to calm her down. Strange how she constantly seemed to want her approval?

"Just don't think we're going to get naked again." Maxine said as she took the shot easily and slammed it down like an experienced drinker.

"Challenge accepted!" Grail laughed and Rain somehow found herself laughing with him. Maybe it was the alcohol, or the sunlight, or maybe it was just the rush of pursuit but she found herself laughing at his challenge.

"Boris and Alita are going to find some rabbits to cook, Mailita is searching for water we could actually drink." Maxine said as Grail poured her another drink.

"This be the only thing we need to drink, there's an entire stash of spirits here ripe for picking." Grail poured everyone else a glass in jubilation. Rain had wine before, but never this stuff. The third shot went down easy and she was starting to feel much more relaxed.

"I can see why you hid here," Zane put his hand over Rains fourth drink, "just give those others time to settle, trust me"

"Don't tell me what to do," she brushed his hand aside, "Just one more." She watched him fill the cup and took a swig. It seemed to impress him.

"Do me a favor..." Rain suddenly felt light headed, the ceiling was spinning. She looked at Maxine, "You have such pretty eyes." That made Maxine blush bright red. She then looked at Grail, "and you have a really big..." she closed her eyes trying to finish the sentence. She rested her head in her arms and completely blacked out. After fighting, running, hiding, and running again for twenty hours she finally gave in to sleep.

"Funny I didn't know she was one to snore," Grail chuckled.

"We could all use some sleep, the rooms upstairs, would you mind taking her to one of them." Zane asked Maxine.

"Of course, we could all use some rest," Maxine helped to pick her up, she used her own magic to fuel her strength and carry her up the stairs.

The room closest to the stairway seemed the easiest. An old mattress and some furniture still resides within. Most of the rooms seemed to have enough furnishings for them.

As she laid her in the bed she watched her chest rise and fall as she breathed. Maxine watched her for a few minutes before walking outside and ensured the door was locked from within.

"Get a hold of yourself Maxine..." she told herself. She looked back at the door half tempted to go back inside, if only to keep her company when she awoke. She inhaled a deep breath and walked back downstairs where she would probably pass out herself.