MOONDOCK

by Jewel Adams

  Melane repeated the words, over and over, delivering their vile message to the man before her as her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

  The fire slowly left his eyes, telling her how effective she’d just been. He himself would realize the truth once he left her.

  Without another word or backward glance Wylan left as quickly as he appeared.

  Melane’s arms wrapped about her naked waist to still the violent shaking overtaking her. Her heart cried out to call him back, her jaw firmed with the effort she used not to let his name pass her lips. Sending him away cost her more than she could let herself admit.

  No longer able to withstand the assaulting destruction he left in his wake, she fell upon the furs and let the wracking sobs tear open her heart. “It is love, if only your own heart could have admitted it.”

  If he had, Melane’s surrender before him would have been complete. Never could she have sent him away, together they would have faced what ever came. “Without truth Wylan, your anger would turn to hate…I couldn’t live with that betrayal.”

  Chapter 11

  Destruction!

  The cooling breeze against her body finally penetrated Melane’s mumbled senses. Pushing herself up in the darkened room, she forced back the weakness, refusing to let it rule.

  He was gone from her life, all her tears and pain couldn’t change the ugly truth. To stay and face Majok sent a rebellious quiver through her. Maybe Melane would have accepted her fate if Wylan never claimed her, but after being held in his arms, feeling the depth of what she forfeited. “No, never Majok!”

  She rose and gathered the remnants of her tattered gown about her. Moving on unsteady legs to the balcony her eyes searched the south, across the open coastline. With her fingers on her temples she closed her senses to all but her thoughts, letting her call take to the wind. Rolley! Rolley my friend, come to me…break free old friend. Be like the wind and come to me!

  As if she could feel the beast’s own struggles to obey, Melane’s body staggered against the rail.

  “No!” Her denial rang out and she knew before she felt the separation of her spirit from her body that she was going to Rolley.

  The campfires were blinding as her senses came back to her. Standing in the middle of the Selam camp, Melane forced herself not to panic. They can’t see me.

  She moved cautiously through the sleeping warriors, her eyes and senses scanned the perimeter to find her Kaymog. The low muffled growls drew her forward. Nearly collapsing at the travesty she discovered, Melane groaned over what they had done to Rolley.

  Great links of chain bound his hind legs and massive neck to a boulder. Leather thongs locked his front paws together, rending them useless. Her heart cried over the beast’s exhausted state, knowing her calls made him struggle against the chains.

  “Poor Rolley, can you ever forgive me?”

  Those large brown eyes stared into her own as if in understanding and regret. Melane’s arms flared in anger at the cruelty. Projecting all her internal force, a low unearthly moan emanated from her as the chains snapped and fell away from Rolley. Falling to her knees with his release the Kaymog crawled over to her. In gentled strokes she comforted Rolley.

  “Melane?”

  Her hand stayed at the beast’s great neck to prevent the shaking violence Rolley wanted to release against Majok.

  Melane knew she was visible, but her anger over what he’d done to Rolley kept her there before him. “How dare you make him suffer like this?”

  Taken back by the viciousness in her attack, Majok stilled his advance. That she was but a dream vision didn’t make what he saw in her any less volatile.

  “What are you doing here, Melane?”

  She looked wild and unreal, he thought a breeze could destroy her image.

  “I came for Rolley.”

  The defiance and meaning behind her declaration vibrated the night air between them.

  She sensed his outrage and his intension to stop her. But the anger and hurt of another gave her the strength within her reach, one she’d not experienced before. “You won’t stop me Majok.”

  “You are my lifemate, Melane!”

  “No! I am no man’s property. Your bargain caused too much heart break, Majok.”

  Melane signaled Rolley to rise. “Go Rolley!”

  The great roar that came from the beast sent Majok stumbling back in caution. Melane’s heart soared with the freedom rippling through the great furred muscles that spun in lightning speed to vanish from sight. With his leave she faded from Majok’s gaze.

  Melane watched as he searched and cursed the vacant air. “Goodbye Majok.”

  “Melane, don’t you dare leave me!”

  His demanding tone cut across her pride. “Should we meet again Majok, be warned, I will likely kill you.”

  Melane didn’t wait to listen to his tirade.

  The shock of returning to herself was as staggering and defeating as all the other times. Melane couldn’t let the weakness rule, to give in meant she would not escape. The prospect of facing Majok’s fury gave her the strength to fight.

  “Rolley?”

  The answering cry from the yard below brought a smile to her trembling lips. She started to go to him, but stopped. “My leaves…”

  Frantic, her gaze searched the room, cursing the weakness that left her nearly unconscious. “Where did you hide them Majok?”

  He knew what they meant to her and his knowledge made her groan. She hadn’t the strength to search his house, they could be anywhere, even still with him like he took Rolley.

  Staggering against the weakness that was overtaking her Melane half fell, half crawled down the steps to the waiting Rolley.

  Feeling the fur beneath her hands she pulled herself onto his great back. “Go Rolley, go fast and far from here…”

  Her body betrayed her, giving into the payment she owed for using her powers. Before her mind joined her body, she used its remaining strength to entangle her fingers in Rolley’s mane so she’d not fall off.

  The whipping wind against her flattened form cooled the fever taking hold of her as Rolley raced up the silver streaked coastline.

  ~*~

  “Bella! Come back, your father said to go no further than the rocks.”

  “I see something, come, Tremer.”

  Bella hid her smile as her guard gave up his struggle and followed her. She searched the rocks again for the movement she spied before…there! Near the cove!

  Clamoring over the rocks, Tremer’s cries of warning were lost under the sense of discovery driving her on. Not even Bella’s child spirit could be prepared for the huge, angry beast that rose up to face her arrival.

  Frozen before the red giant, her gaze took in the full size of the beast. Hearing Tremer’s cursing efforts to join her and the beast’s low growl of warning, “Stay back, Tremer! And what ever you do don’t make him angry.”

  Tremer’s voice shook behind her, “Bella? Step away.”

  His fear only echoed hers, but for some reason Bella couldn’t pull herself away. It was as if the beast were trying to talk to her. “What is it fella? Are you lost?”

  All of Bella’s senses came alive, she saw the bleeding cuts about his legs and paws, and there was a rein over his great, thick neck. The sound coming at her now was not one of anger, not even threatening, more of a whimper. “Show me great one.”

  As if he understood her the red bulk moved down the rocks, looking back and stopping until she followed.

  “Bella! What are doing? Move away before he changes his mind and eats you!”

  Ignoring Tremer, Bella moved cautiously to follow the beast, deciding if he wanted them for dinner they would have already been shredded.

  Going down the cliff took all her concentration to keep her footing. It wasn’t until the sand cushioned her steps that Bella focused on the beast and exactly what he stood guard over.

  Bella moved very slowly, saying a silent prayer that the beast wouldn’t think her a th
reat to his…mistress. Yes, there was no mistaking the crumpled form at his feet. Reaching the girl, Bella looked from her to the beast, who again issued his whimpering plea. She dropped to her knees, Bella’s hands shook as she reached to touch the unmoving form. Bella pulled the girl onto her back, her gasp of awareness made the beast jump about. “Melane! Oh no, what has he done to you?” Tears burned Bella’s eyes as she felt the coldness in the woman she met in Moondock. Lowering her ear to Melane’s exposed chest she almost cried in relief over the faint, but steady heartbeat. Bella pulled off her cape and covered Melane as best she could. “It will be alright now, Melane.”

  The renewed movement of Melane’s protector reminded Bella to move slowly. “Rolley, yes, that is your name. I remember Wylan called you that when he said ‘Rolley will guard her.’”

  Looking up at his massive form she held little doubt the beast did just that for his mistress. Only danger would have driven her from Wylan…unless he…no, Bella refused to believe her cousin could be so heartless, even if she were still angry with him over Gorman.

  “She will be fine Rolley.” His eyes lowered, almost as if in gratitude.

  “Tremer! Go quickly and get my father, tell him to bring a litter, it is Melane!”

  Thankfully, Tremer didn’t argue and raced off towards the castle.

  Bella kneeled beside Melane, groaning inside over the destructive shiver overtaking the girl. The cloak did little to warm her, Bella thought she should lie over her and give her some of her heat, but Rolley moved faster. It took all her willpower not to run when the great beast slowly and with obvious care placed himself about Melane, cupping her cold body. Having his head hovering above her own lap made Bella gave in to his sympathetic eyes; she began stroking his furred cheeks as she crooned soft words to still his trembling. Strange how she felt his trust in her.

  It seemed like forever before she heard the men’s voices. Rolley heard as well and turned instantly on guard. A beast that trusted only women? Bella sensed she was right. When he rose from Melane she also felt and saw the fighting stance he took to protect…them? Yes, his from Melane to her was all encompassing. Seeing her father top the cliff she knew she must act before blood was spilled.

  Jumping up she moved directly before Rolley. “Down Rolley, stay your anger, they come to help Melane!”

  Ignoring her father’s call Bella never dropped her gaze from Rolley. “Down boy! Stay as I say!”

  The sudden drop of the beast was almost comical, if the situation hadn’t been so dire. Hoping he stayed down she returned her father’s frantic summons.

  “I’m fine father, you may approach now, but slowly and no weapons!”

  She saw him take in the situation and relayed the order to the others. Bella moved to Rolley’s side and laid a reasoning hand on his massive head, the nudge she received in return earned a relieved smile. He’d not attack, but she felt every coiled ounce of his restraint as her father and his men surrounded them.

  “Bella…”

  “It is Melane and she is very sick, father.”

  “Wylan’s woman? But how…” Gallen’s shock grew as his gaze lowered to Melane, earning a round of curses and orders to the men.

  Once Melane was on the litter and lifted to return to the castle Rolley rose in all his commanding grander.

  “Move away from him, Bella!”

  “No, he will listen to me…watch.”

  With only a raised hand Bella stayed Rolley’s protective advance. “You go on father and we will follow.”

  “Bella, I don’t like it.”

  “He is her protector and more than likely saved her life, do we kill the beast for that?”

  Gallen’s concern for his daughter’s welfare waged a fierce battle. Remembering their last night in Moondock and what he’d seen of Melane’s beast, he knew Bella spoke the truth. Gallen heard only Melane could control the beast, seeing the huge animal rub his head over his daughter’s shoulder as if to say ‘let’s go’ Gallen relented. “Come on, but if he changes…”

  “He won’t, he only wants Melane cared for.”

  The going over the cliff was slow because of the gentle way the men handled Melane’s litter. Many of them witnessed Melane’s actions that night in the palace. Bella felt they were in awe of the girl or maybe envious of Wylan. As she followed with Rolley, she couldn’t keep the questions from forming as to why Melane was here and in such a state.

  There was no mistaking that her gown had been torn from her body. Bella’s anger rose over the truth all saw. Wylan never impressed her as being a vicious or cruel man. Something terrible happened to Melane. She noticed the concern look her father kept on the girl. When they neared the castle, she heard her father’s order to all that no one was to mention who they found this day.

  Chapter 12

  Windland

  “Will she be alright mother?”

  “I’m not sure Bella. The fever isn’t coming down. We should know by morning.”

  Bella ran the damp cloth over Melane’s heated skin. For two days the fever raged inside the girl. Melane’s ramblings were incoherent and told them nothing of what might have happened to her. Though no one spoke of it, they all believed Melane suffered at someone’s hands. Even her father handled her arrival with caution. Bella overheard him send Tremer to Moondock, not to announce Melane’s presence, but to spy and gather information.

  Bella leaned closer to Melane, “You are safe here Melane, please get better.”

  “I doubt she can hear you, Bella.”

  “Maybe not mother, but if so I want her to feel safe.”

  Gallen’s frown deepened as he watched his daughter tend Wylan’s wife. Something terribly wrong happened to the beautiful Melane. He hoped that Tremer returned soon with answers. Gallen didn’t like keeping her whereabouts hidden from Wylan, but until he knew who did this to her it was best to keep her hidden.

  Most of the girl’s ramblings concerned her home, Cibrac. Gallen grew impatient to know about this society of elamies. He didn’t pay much attention to the rumors while in Moondock, now he wished he listened better. At the time his concern rested with Bella.

  Studying his daughter he wondered if she were truly over that thieving Selam. More and more of Wylan’s men tried to take elamies from Windland. If Wylan didn’t start to control his people they would end up in a war.

  Gallen’s attention turned to his wife as she approached. He’d been right in getting Bella away from Moondock and Gorman.

  “Did they work?”

  “No Gallen. I’ve tried every herb we know of, none of them have relieved the girl’s fever.”

  “I know I heard Tarra mention that leaves healed her after she collapsed from fighting Dragon.”

  “I too recall Tarra mentioning them. It seems she must have used her powers again to be so ill.”

  “Maybe so. Keep trying my wife, a brew may be the only thing to save her.”

  Gallen left the room not wanting her to see his mounting concern. “Tremer, you best hurry.”

  Once he learned what caused her flight he could act, until then Gallen wouldn’t risk letting them know she was here. No, he knew well of Wylan’s temper and he didn’t think his nephew would be very calm where Melane was concerned.

  ~*~

  The light intruded once again on the battle Melane waged against the Kibras. Noise too seeped into her dreams until the voices broke through.

  “Wake up Melane. Oh please open your eyes. Rolley is in a foul mood this morning and I can’t calm him.”

  “Rolley?”

  Bella jumped out of her chair and thankfully swallowed her squeal of surprise. “Melane? Oh joy, talk to me, Melane, it is I, Bella.”

  “Bella? Gallen’s daughter?”

  “Yes! Yes, you remember!”

  Bella couldn’t sit still, she raced away and then back to the bed. “Stay here, I must get momma!”

  Through the clearing haze Melane watched the excited girl race away. “But, Rolley…”
/>
  As if Rolley heard her, his great bellow sounded throughout the walls. “Rolley, sweet Rolley.” Her smile cracked her fever-dried lips, causing Melane to wince. With the pain came a slow awareness of her surroundings. In tempered deliberation her hands moved over the sheets and bed she laid upon. A wave of dizziness quickly ended her attempt to move.

  “Not yet Melane, you are too weak to move about.”

  It took her a moment to focus on the familiar face. “Gallen?”

  “Yes, your Rolley found his way to Windland.”

  “Is he all right?”

  Gallen didn’t miss the apprehension coming over the girl and he knew it went beyond the animal. “Yes, Bella has nursed his wounds and made a great friend of your beast. You need not worry over him.”

  “Thank Bella for me.”

  Gallen smiled into the most intense eyes that spoke in silence where words failed.

  “It is all right Melane. You are safe here, no one knows where you are.”

  She started to struggle to rise, but Gallen’s gentle yet firm hold stilled her efforts. “Not yet Melane. You have been very ill. In fact, we worried you might not recover until we found the right brew.”

  “My leaves?”

  “No child, but the sea moss has been just as effective.”

  Melane closed her heavy lids, lacking the strength to keep them open any longer.

  “Papa?”

  “She is sleeping Bella.”

  “She is better though?”

  “Yes, of course, the old witch knew what she needed.”

  “I’m surprised she helped us.”

  “Hmm, she didn’t, she helped one of her own.”

  Bella’s gaze fell to Melane. “She is not a witch.”

  “Ah, but she is Bella, just not an ugly or harmful one. She has the powers though, my child.”

  “She’s never hurt anyone with them. Tremer said so.”

  “True, but let’s not make her angry.” Gallen tried to make the warning light hearted, but it was a concern. After all he learned Melane was not to be taken lightly, “She has powers, many powers.”