Iona, Part 5

Iona woke up to Sasha gently shaking her shoulders. She didn't realize she had fallen asleep on the journey to the hot springs. When they exited the wagon, the sun started to set. Iona was glad they made it to their destination sooner than she was expecting. She looked up at the sun and silently sent her thoughts to Nessa.

"Are you alright, Iona?"

Iona sighed but nodded and looked at the sky. It was getting darker, and the first glimpse of stars was appearing. She thought her world was massive but quickly learned that she was a speck of dust in a sandstorm. She wanted to help Nessa and all of the girls Hunter saved from the Company, but it was overwhelming to think about. Sasha put her hands on Iona's shoulders and gave them a light massage. Sasha and Iona looked at the sunset for a few more minutes. After the sky had gone dark, Anaiah came over to the girls with his two sons. 

"Hello, my beautiful heroines. I want to treat you to dinner. This is your first time visiting Grand Fox Springs, right?"

Iona gasped. The signs she had seen earlier didn't have the hot spring's name, and she had forgotten that Nessa had told her the name of the place where she had grown up. The four people she was standing with all looked at her with surprised and nervous looks.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that's where we were. I have never been, but a friend grew up here."

"Ah, I see. You girls must be far away from your home."

Sasha smiled and grabbed Iona's arm. Iona realized she said too much, but it was too late.

"You could say that. Where would you like to eat? I am happy to pay for it."

"Nonsense, it is my treat. We might still be stuck on the road without you, but don't think I missed your clever attempt to change the subject."

Sasha's smile didn't change, and her posture was perfect and commanding. Even though the older man was hunched over, his aura was the same. After a few seconds of silence, Micaiah pulled his father's arm.

"Alright, let's go get some food. We should put this conversation to rest."

Sasha and Anaiah didn't break eye contact, even as he was being pulled away, but eventually, he had to turn to keep himself from tripping. Iona looked over at Sasha. She smiled more extensively, and her eyes shined with victory. Iona signed; she wasn't expecting Sasha to be so competitive over a staring contest with an old man who asked where we came from. She would be waiting a long time before leaving Sanctuary again.

The village restaurant was charming and warm. Fox women rushed from table to table, caring for the surprising number of customers. The village looked deserted when they arrived, but most guests used the various amenities. Iona ordered something similar to the chicken dishes she was used to and watched the servers. She wondered if any of them knew Nessa. This world moved at a slower pace. How long had it been since Nessa was taken?

"Hey, try to relax. Not every day you are treated to food at a spa resort."

Iona sighed and tried to fake a smile. Sasha was giving her the same motherly smile Iona had seen many times on this trip. Iona wondered if she could be as comforting and strong as Sasha one day. She figured that helping Nessa and the other women was a good place to start. 

The food arrived, and Iona was surprised by the delicious meal. The meat, which resembled chicken as she thought, was cooked very well, and the vegetables were seasoned perfectly. Sasha cooked great food, but this was on another level. Iona looked over to Sasha, who also seemed delighted with her meal. After finishing their plates, their server came over to check on them.

"How was everything? Can we treat you with our special? A peokin pie. They are a rare fruit that can only be harvested for a week this time of year. They also spoil quickly, so get it while you can."

Both Sasha and Iona stared at each other. They weren't expecting the solution to their problem to arrive so soon. Sasha was the first to find her voice.

"Is it possible to just buy the fruit? We came here looking for peokin for a friend."

"I've never been asked that before. Let me check with our owner."

"Thank you. Just four or five would be plenty."

The waitress nodded and walked away to a back room. Anaiah leaned forward in his chair and eyed Sasha suspiciously. He opened his mouth several times but couldn't find the right words. Then he finally got it out. 

"This friend... was she taken from the village about three months ago?"

"Taken?" Sasha feigned surprise. "Just what are you implying?"

Iona was shocked by his sudden interest in and knowledge of The Company's attack. Time really did move very slowly here compared to other worlds, but how did Anaiah know about that? Gilead came to his father's rescue.

"I'm sorry, I will explain. When we saw you earlier, we could tell you were not from this world, just like those men from what they called The Company. Our sister, Rebekah, was taken with some of the fox girls. We returned here hoping to establish a permanent stall and await The Company's return."

His voice was calm but in a threatening way. Iona knew they planned to attack The Company, but she knew that would be suicide. Sasha took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Iona wondered what to do now. They could bring the men back to their base. Maybe their sister was there. Iona hadn't learned everyone's names yet, so it was possible.

"I can tell you what is going on about the girl we came here for, but you have to agree beforehand that you will come with us afterward. It is the only way we can save your sister."

"Wait, Sasha, are you sure what about...?" Iona pointed at Sasha's watch. Removing three people from the timeline could be risky, as she had already killed four.

"It's alright, Iona. I will accept any consequences. If Alex were here, he wouldn't hesitate to bring these three along."

Iona knew she was right. Healer would save everyone first and then worry about potential problems. The three men looked at each other and then agreed. 

"We will go with you if it means saving my daughter."

Sasha smiled and informed them that they would leave for the forest once they had the fruit. The group sat in awkward silence until the waitress returned with a small bag. The peokin were spiky and yellow. They also had an odd smell. Iona wasn't sure if they were any good, but she knew Nessa would enjoy them. Anaiah paid for their meal, and the five of them walked into the dark forest. Sasha turned around once they could no longer see the village's lights. 

"Welcome to Sanctuary." Sasha opened a portal. The men's eyes widened, and Iona feared Anaiah would pass out. They took a collective breath and then all five people emerged in their new home.