The Journey of the Marked (The Miyran Heir Book 1) by Rebecca P. McCray Page A

parts fat and muscle. Given the size, the bald head, and the
multitude of body paintings, Eros recognized the species as Skurk. The female
Skurks were built similarly, though they generally had short hair. More than
one of the group belonged to this imposing species. The second leader was
shorter, though extremely fit and well-toned. Eros failed to recognize the
species because his view was partially obscured by one of the other Skurks in
the group. As the two argued, they frequently pointed toward the wall to Eros’s
right. He leaned forward for a better view. Against the wall sat two
individuals. The boy was Liput, as was easily discerned by his slight build and
fluffy hair with colored tips. He held his side with a bloodied hand, his
ghost-white pallor a tell-tale sign that he would soon faint without treatment.
Eros tried to make out the second individual against the wall. His efforts were
in vain, since the crowd began moving towards the side where they stood,
blocking his view.
    “What happened?” the girl asked as
she climbed down the wall ladder.
    The Skurk, with his loud, booming
voice, spoke first. “Hunted by Graeliths. Foolish kids think they can find
protection in the city. The boy there was wandering around like he was lost in
a fairy tale.”
    “Now, Lutra, don’t be too harsh,”
the other leader began. “Although they were caught by the Graeliths’ trap, you
have to respect their efforts to break free.”
    Lutra grunted, “I still say we
should seek treatment for the boy tonight. Staying here doesn’t make sense. Healing
his wounds and sending them toward the camp is standard protocol. The longer
they stay here, the greater the risk that they’re discovered. You know that.”
    Eros followed the girl down the
ladder and now recognized the second leader as a Bruner, indicated by the
frizzy poof of six-inch hair and forehead ridges. They were generally a
peaceful sort with great intelligence, though in Eros’s experience, the range
of these traits did vary considerably.
    “A risk it may be,” the girl
interjected, “but the boy is badly injured and we may not find a medic this
late.” She went to the boy’s side and moved his hand allowing her to examine
his wounds. The boy flinched and anguish showed on his face, though to his
credit, he made not a sound. “Bring me bandages and oil,” she ordered another
in the group. “I can at least slow the bleeding.”
    “We’ll find a medic at first
light,” the Bruner agreed. “Bring Kenrya medical supplies.”
    Lutra grunted again. “Very well,”
he conceded. He stared at Kenrya a moment too long, then turned away, shaking
his head. Eros was uncertain as to whether the Skurk’s expression was one of
admiration or irritation. Either way, the argument seemed to be settled.
    The group dispersed around the room
and quiet conversations began. The Bruner joined Kenrya. “How bad are the
wounds?” he asked.
    “They run deep. The oil will stop
the bleeding for now, but we must find a medic who can better heal the wounds.”
She poured medical oil over the wounds without hesitation or sympathy at the
boy’s gasps. She grabbed his face. “Be quiet. If you are to challenge a
Graelith, you must suffer the consequences.” She wrapped his wounds tightly,
ignoring his obvious pain.
    Eros watched the girl’s harsh
treatment of the Liput boy. Kenrya was the name she had denied sharing earlier.
She obviously carried authority with this group. Why would they live in the
underground? And why would have they have such a large number of weapons lining
the walls and shelves?
    Eros turned then to look at the
second individual sitting against the wall and the wind rushed from his lungs. The
girl bore the mark of the Krystic on her forehead, a curvy, golden design which
naturally appeared on all females of the species at their coming of age. Fiery
red curls were piled loosely on her head and framed an absolutely stunning face.
Her characteristically white skin