Daughter Of Ethos: Crystal City Book 6

by L M Lacee

  She blushed at his words. ‘Oh, now I know where all the males in your family get their charm from.’

  Klune nodded. ‘Of course.’

  She laughed then said. ‘Thank you, as long you are happy, that is all I need. Now I must go and take my Rayvan here to his bondmate and go to Jarrod. He is waking his uncle and his mate is worried. Jarrod’s mate Trina, not the uncle. I do not think he has one.’ She smiled as she stood with Rayvan in her arms.

  Klune said. ‘Amazing, I actually followed that.’

  ‘Ha-ha.’

  Klune became serious, as indicated by the frown on his normally immobile features. ‘You can feel what is happening to Trina and Jarrod?’

  ‘Of course, you are all mine.’

  ‘That must weigh heavily on you.’

  She looked directly at him and dropped the filter she had developed over the last luneras. In her eyes he saw almost too much to behold. She whispered, and he wondered if she meant to say so much. ‘Sometimes, the weight is beyond even my comprehension.’

  His impulse was to say as it should be, you are the Star Daughter, but he did not speak. Instead, he kissed her forehead in a gentle salute.

  She grinned as she said. ‘Such a charmer, I do like you.’

  She left him laughing as her guards gravely saluted the family and followed her from the room. He said to his mate as she slipped her arm around him. ‘The burden she carries is far heavier than we realized. She is different from when we first met.’

  Rata smiled. ‘She is, we cannot carry the burdens for her, but we can relieve her from worries where we can. I honestly can say any reservations I had about her when we first met are gone. Dayam Esther, she was right after all.’

  He laughed as he said. ‘We are to become parents, my treasure.’

  She kissed him and murmured. ‘You will make a wonderful Papa.’

  ‘Thank you, as you will be a delightful Mama at long last.’ He turned to a smiling Rita. ‘So dearle, we need to get you out of here and to our suite.’

  He scooped her up, and she laughingly said. ‘Always so gallant. I see the appeal Rata.’

  ‘I know right!’ They both giggled at the Terran expression.

  SIXTEEN:

  Peyton and her guards were about to enter the lift only to have the doors open and Esther step out, smiling she said. ‘Carrick said he is feeling better now.’

  Peyton agreed. ‘He is, please have Avana visit with him.’

  ‘I will, where are you going now?’

  ‘To see Jarrod.’

  ‘I see, you seem to be running around a lot.’

  ‘Heather said the same. I will tell you what I told her, I am okay.’

  Esther eyed her pale face with disbelief and told Zenerra and Lucerra. ‘Make sure she rests after second-meal, even if you have to sit on her.’

  Peyton yelped. ‘Esther!’

  ‘I mean it, do not make me pull out the big guns.’ She turned with Rayvan in her arms and reentered the lift. Peyton watched the doors close on her smug expression.

  ‘Who are the big guns?’ Lucerra asked Zenerra, who laughed at Peyton’s wry expression and told her. ‘Commander Marlo and Melody.’

  Peyton scoffed. ‘As if I fear either of them.’

  Both Draygons laughed at her denial.

  ‘Oh, shut up.’

  SEVENTEEN:

  Jarrod stood again on the plane of existence he had constructed within his mind, however this time he was with his uncle.

  Jarrmeru Hananva looked around himself and felt fear crawl over his skin or what passed for skin on this plane of existence. He knew he was in deep trouble and would undoubtedly die before he could extract himself.

  He sighed sadly; he wished he had made amends with his brother and seen his family once more to assure himself the sacrifices he had made had been necessary. Straightening his shoulders, he turned and faced the figure watching him and demanded. ‘Where have you brought me?’

  ‘To a construct I made.’

  ‘Only the Kail can do so.’

  ‘I would not wager on that.’ Jarrod said knowing Peyton had form a construct. He was also sure Netta and Reeve were well on their way to doing so.

  Jarrmeru eyed the male who resembled his nephew and asked. ‘Are you Jarrod?’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Are you saying you have ascended to the Kail?’

  ‘I am saying that.’

  ‘You honor me nephew by taking the time to bring me here.’

  ‘The honor as always is mine.’

  ‘Why am I here?’

  ‘Because you were placed in stasis, and we are in the process of waking you.’

  ‘Who placed me there?’

  ‘You cannot guess?’

  ‘Ahh, I see, so you have orders to kill me.’

  ‘No, just to revive you without you killing the healers who are working to release you.’ Jarrod looked off into the deep blue of nothingness at a spark of light. ‘Uncle, I am not the Assaen I was. That life is over for me and all Masters.’

  Jarrmeru laughed without humor. ‘I find that hard to believe even the Kail kills.’

  ‘I understand what I am saying goes against all you believe, all you know. When do you think you may have gone into stasis?’

  Jarrmeru looked into the distance as Jarrod had and saw the light. Choosing his words carefully, he said. ‘I was captured when the existence of the Star Daughter was first discovered.’

  ‘I thought as much.’ Jarrod asked. ‘Do you see the light?’

  ‘Is that her… the Star Daughter?’

  ‘Yes, she is staying away as I asked her to. So we may have some time to discuss the situation we find ourselves in.’

  Jarrmeru looked fearfully once more toward the light. If his nephew was indeed the male from old, his influence over the Star Daughter could have devastating effects, and place his family in jeopardy. But a thought slid into his mind. What if he was different? What would that mean for him and the people he had spent yentas protecting? He shook his head as these thoughts swirled in and around the confusion he was feeling. Then he looked at his nephew and decided it was time to find out. ‘You have that much influence over her?’

  It was Jarrod’s turn to laugh. ‘Influence… no, that would be impossible. What we share is respect and love. She loves and respects me enough to wait.’

  ‘Really, I find that hard to believe. A Star Daughter by her very nature is not of a loving disposition. They are cold and merciless, created to become the Star Child’s arm of justice.’

  Jarrod nodded, then told him. ‘There has never been one like her, she is unique and has changed so much already. I beg you to do what we have done, throw out all the histories you were taught and what you think you know of the Star Child’s arm of justice. When you have done that, you will learn she is not like the Star Daughters who came before her. You should know that I am mated now and to be a father in due time.’

  Jarrmeru stilled, his voice faint as shock washed over him. He could barely speak as he hissed. ‘You lie!’

  ‘No, on our family’s honor I do not lie, and if you look into the memories I have shared, you will see I speak the truth.’

  Jarrmeru searched the recent memories his nephew had transferred to him, and not once did he think to assume they were false. If nothing else was the same in his world, his faith in the Kail’s ethos did not falter.

  ‘She permits you to have a mate and young? How is this possible, you are a Master or were?’

  ‘She not only permits it, she actively encourages. Come back with me and see for yourself.’

  So many changes made Jarrmeru feel unbalanced, out of control. Jarrod looked at his uncle who was only a few years younger than his father and saw a male with more blond than black in his hair. His eyes were dull and confused. Normally they were a bright brown with an inquisitive and at times a ruthless expression in their depths. He was thinner than Jarrod remembered, but still had the body of a much younger male.

&nbs
p; Jarrmeru murmured. ‘How is this possible?’

  Jarrod smiled softly. ‘She made it happen. The Star Child told me the Elders spoke untruths. They perverted our histories, engineered the madness of the Masters and kept our right to mate and have children from us.’

  ‘No wonder they fear her.’ Jarrmeru said slowly, as his mind turned over the possibilities presented to him. Was this true, for the first time in a long time he felt hope creep into his needar and heart.

  Jarrod agreed as he answered him. ‘They should fear her. While you have been in stasis, she has removed the High Elder and several of the other Elders from Yanarah. We believe the remainder are hiding here at the Capital.’

  ‘I do not know what to believe.’ Jarrmeru said aloud, then stated in surprise. ‘I am at the Capital!’

  ‘You are. Believe me when I tell you many have said the same thing when dealing with the Star Daughter.’ He laughed as he told him. ‘It is an effect she has on people. She has given us a new home. Avana has been elevated to Sevna and has a child now.’

  Jarrmeru shook his head. ‘I am in awe.’

  ‘Come back, see what is happening, nothing will be demanded of you. We live with freedom and bask in love and laughter. Mama and Papa wait for you.’

  ‘They are here?’

  ‘Yes and are happy, come back.’

  Testing him again, Jarrmeru challenged. ‘You could draw me back, you have the power.’

  Jarrod looked behind Jarrmeru. ‘I could as she could, however, this is a choice you must make on your own. You will learn that we all have the ability to choose or not. There is no one left to tell us how to think and feel.’

  Ruefully Jarrmeru stated. ‘I have information, although I do not think what I have is very valuable, perhaps it is redundant.’

  Jarrod eyed his uncle wondering what he was really thinking, Jarrmeru had always been adept at keeping his thoughts well hidden. He shrugged now as he told his uncle. ‘Only you can decide that.’

  ‘You will not demand I share what I know.’

  ‘No, as I said, it is your choice.’

  ‘Again, I do not know what to say.’

  ‘Me either, except why are you still here?’ Demanded Peyton as she manifested next to Jarrod.

  Jarrmeru went to kneel and she hurriedly squealed. ‘Jarrod!’

  ‘Uncle, do not kneel.’

  Confused, Jarrmeru stopped his motion, as Jarrod explained while trying to hide his smile. ‘Our Star Daughter does not require you to kneel, it scares her.’

  Peyton pouted and folded her arms in defense as she denied his assessment. ‘I would not say scares.’

  ‘Trina said it did.’ Before she could get into debating that point, he said. ‘I was coming.’

  ‘You were taking too long, Trina’s worry is like an itch in my heart.’

  Jarrod inclined his head. ‘I am sorry. Jarrmeru Hananva meet our Star Daughter.’

  She eyed the male and said. ‘Mostly everyone calls me Peyton or Madam Peyton, whatever you are comfortable with. I tell people that first, it seems to ease their minds.’ She smiled at the brown-eyed male, who looked so much like Jarrod and asked. ‘Are you eased?’

  He could not help smiling and said. ‘I would say yes.’

  Peyton nodded as her eyes sparkled with humor. ‘Oh good, I have been looking forward to meeting you. I wished to thank you for saving my Warriors, especially Lukkas. He is very dearle to me. So thank you.’

  Jarrmeru’s eyes clouded as his mind shifted through his memories looking for a Warrior named Lukkas. He shook his head. ‘I am sorry, I do not remember a Warrior named Lukkas.’

  Jarrod told him ‘He was on Uthrio.’

  Jarrmeru’s eyes cleared as memory returned. ‘Of course a young Warrior.’ He sighed as he said. ‘I am pleased he survived, so many there did not.’

  Peyton nodded. ‘I know, but he and the others you helped are healthy and happy now. Jarrod, will tell you what we did about that world. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that and say I adore your brother and his family. Also I wanted to say welcome to our family Mystic Jarrmeru, we are pleased you are home.’ She looked at Jarrod and said. ‘So see yah, top side.’

  Then she was no more, Jarrmeru stared at the place she had been and asked. ‘Is she always like that?’

  ‘Yes and no, come home.’

  ‘I will, the Universe seems to intriguing to ignore.’

  ‘We do not wear the robes.’

  ‘Well, for that alone I must return.’ He smiled as Jarrod laughed and faded.

  Jarrmeru looked around once more in a silent salute to his nephew’s abilities. As he went to fade, a column of starlight appeared and voices threaded with the hum of the Universe spoke. Mystic Jarrmeru, We are pleased you have decided to join our Daughter.

  Jarrmeru bowed. Star Child, for yentas I have done nothing but work to protect my family. It will be good to see what has become of them and the Warriors I have helped.

  Again the voices spoke. Mystic Jarrmeru, may you live long and find the happiness you seek within your own needar.

  I will endeavor to do so, having my family with me in freedom is happiness all of its own.

  It seems once again our Daughter has chosen wisely.

  Jarrod came back to himself, sitting next to the bed his uncle was reclining on. He turned his head as he felt Trina holding his hand.

  ‘Greetings my one.’

  ‘Greetings my love, is everything alright?’

  ‘It is, I am sorry you were worried.’

  ‘Only for a min, Peyton said you and your uncle were well.’

  ‘He said he would come back.’

  Jarrmeru croaked. ‘I am here.’

  Jarrod passed him the tube of water he had ready.

  Heather arrived as he gulped down the liquid. ‘Greetings Mystic Jarrmeru, how do you feel?’

  Lowering the tube, Jarrmeru smiled slowly and stated. ‘Greetings, I feel much better for seeing your beautiful face.’

  ‘Oh my, you are charming.’

  He winked at her. ‘I have been so called.’ Remii appeared at her side and stared at the male as Heather swallowed her smile and said.

  ‘Oh dearle, this is my bondmate Remii. He adores my mate and will have told him about your flirting.’

  I have indeed. Growled Remii.

  Jarrmeru inclined his head and said. ‘Greetings Remii, know I meant no disrespect. I am just stating a fact, your bondmate is delightful.’

  Remii snorted but did not comment.

  Trina giggled and said. ‘Looks like someone will be taken to the mat.’

  With a raised eyebrow, Jarrmeru asked Jarrod. ‘What does the mat entail?’

  Grinning, he replied. ‘A pounding.’

  ‘I see, and as we are discussing my eventual pounding, is that normal?’

  Trina said. ‘Around here, yes. Greetings I am Trina, Jarrod’s one. It is nice to meet you, Jarrmeru. We have been looking for you.’

  He took her hand and kissed her fingers. ‘How truly delightful you are Trina and I am pleased to be here.’

  Heather asked Jarrod. ‘Does he need the download?’

  ‘I transferred all the information in our way as he slept.’

  She gave Jarrmeru a pat on his shoulder, then assured him and Jarrod. ‘Good, you are healthy and may resume normal life Mystic Jarrmeru. You are underweight and have some muscle loss you may find you have some strength issues, nothing a few wekens of good food and training won’t repair.’

  ‘I thank you Healer Heather.’ He gave her hand a kiss which caused Remii to growl again.

  ‘You live on the edge, Mystic Jarrmeru.’

  He smiled an easy smile as he said. ‘Please just call me Jarrmeru and dearle healer, it has become a way of life and so worth it as my nephew would say.’

  She grinned. ‘Oh my, I am so out of here, before I am taken to the mat.’

  ‘Like it would be the first time.’

  ‘Shut it you.’ She told Trina as she walked
away laughing.

  Alarmed at the thought of Heather being hurt and a little confused by the interplay between her and Trina. Jarrmeru asked. ‘Her mate will punish her?’

  Jarrod raised an eyebrow suggestively. ‘Yes, but not in the way you are thinking.’

  Jarrmeru laughed as he realized what his nephew was hinting at.

  Trina blushed. ‘Oh my stars Jarrod, you have been hanging out with Netta and Melody too long.’

  Jarrod and Jarrmeru both laughed as Jarrod asked. ‘Trina, my one, are you blushing?’

  ‘Males!’ She said as she stomped from the room.

  ‘Hanging?’ Inquired Jarrmeru of Jarrod as he looked his nephew over, seeing the tall, well-muscled, obviously unhung male. He almost did not recognize him, he was so very different from the stern, coldly reserved male he had seen on his last visit to Yanarah.

  ‘An expression Jarr, not an actuality.’

  Peyton was smiling as she passed Trina and heard her muttering about males and their family, as she came back into the room.

  She told Jarrod. ‘You are in so much trouble.’

  He grinned. ‘Worth it.’

  Amused, she addressed the silent male. ‘So your family is on its way to Jarrod’s suite, are you ready to go meet them?’

  ‘I am, it has been many yentas since we were all together.’ She gave his shoulder a pat, as Heather had done. It was something his nephew had explained in the transference of information. The Terrans enjoyed touching, he said they believed it connected them, so far he could attest to that.

  Peyton told him. ‘They are very excited to be with you again.’

  He raised his eyebrows. ‘I find that hard to believe, I and my brother did not part on the best of terms last time we were together.’

  ‘A lot has changed since you were placed in stasis.’

  ‘So my nephew has told me.’

  Darby walked in, nodded and began to introduce herself. ‘Greetings I am…’

  ‘Specialist Darby, friend to my family, sister to the Star Daughter and mate to Reeve Roeah.’