MOONDOCK

by Jewel Adams

  ~*~

  “Aah! Yieka!” The boulder flew up into the air and shattered into a hundred pieces from the force of the hit.

  Taking a controlled breath Melane forced the weakness away, “No more leaves, no more moss! I will be strong!” For a couple of months, Melane pushed herself to master her skills and overcome the dangers of using them. She learned how to use the power in her grasp. The biggest accomplishment for Melane was in conquering the weakness that plagued her when she exerted those powers.

  She began slow and eventually built up her strength. The weakness remained a threat she always needed to conquer. Never did she want to be as vulnerable as she was before. No one would ever again have that kind of control over her.

  Concentrating on the scattered remains of the boulder Melane gathered up the stones into a nearby pile. A shy smile eased her stern lips. At least Gallen enjoyed his new source of stones for the fortress wall. It was a fair trade for the protection he gave her.

  Ever since her recuperation from the illness, Gallen remained her closest confidant. She told him of the events that brought her to his kingdom, all but the last event.

  “Wylan.” Just saying his name made the blood rush in her veins. Nothing would ever change the force of her feelings for him. At first, she knew she pushed herself to conquer her power and the weakness, it was all she could think of doing. Still, he remained a part of her life.

  In a protective gesture, her hand moved across the growing evidence of their union. Strange, how it was Gallen that told her of the child growing in her womb. He was not like any Selam she knew.

  As the child of Wylan grew, her powers seemed to become stronger and more intense. Melane knew she was right to believe that the child and her increasing powers were connected. Because of what she believed she couldn’t help but wonder if her powers would leave her and go to her child at birth. Did she take her birth mother’s power when she was born? Was that how Narmar was able to kill her mother, was she left powerless?

  Melane hoped this wouldn’t happen. She needed both the power and her Lamar training for what laid ahead.

  Her gaze scanned the cliffs. There, she saw Boller checking the other side of the cliffs and she found Ponter, her two shadows. Closing her eyes Melane concentrated on the distant laughter, “Bella.”

  Smiling, Melane wondered what new skill the girl learned from Rolley today.

  Shaking her head, Melane laughed over the jealousy she first felt towards Bella because of Rolley. They were quite a team and Bella gained Rolley’s love as deep as her own tie to the Kaymog. Melane realized now that she had nothing to worry about where Rolley was concerned. He’s prowess and strength were as great as ever, and nothing would ever break the tie they maintained. Melane learned as she honed her powers that Rolley did indeed understand her. They communicated by thought, stronger than ever before.

  “Great Gods, let me keep the powers. Let me share them with my child.” The request could mean her and her child’s life. She wanted this child to have all she possessed. She would also train the child to be a Lamar. “The blending of sects.”

  Melane would need both strengths to keep the child safe until she could take care of herself. Never would she give the child up. “His customs are not mine! They never will be.”

  “Ayi! Ya!” The ground shook from the boulder she sent flying into the cliff.

  Boller’s cry made Melane spin around. The man was falling down the cliff! The boulder strike must have caused him to loose his footing.

  Melane’s hand came out and she focused all her force on Boller as if the world slowed down Boller ceased to fall. Very slowly Melane lifted him through the air and brought him to stand before her. “You are too clumsy Boller.” Melane tried not to smile, but failed under the rush of curses coming from the man.

  “You are too dangerous to be anywhere near!”

  “That’s not true, I just saved you.”

  “Right, and that boulder just hopped up and slammed into the cliff all by itself?”

  “Hmm, is that what happened?” Before he could scream at her, “Would you like help going back up?”

  “No thanks! I can manage.”

  She covered her mouth to avoid laughing at the man stalking off in anger. She watched him to be sure his anger didn’t cause him to be careless on his climb up the rocks.

  “You can stop worrying now, Melane!” Boller called down to her from the top of the cliff, she waved back.

  She felt relieved to hear the humor back in his voice. She didn’t think she would get used to anyone but Boller watching her all the time. At first, she’d been livid over his presence and Gallen’s order that Boller and Ponter would always accompany her. She felt like a prisoner, but that was far from the truth. Without these two, Melane’s presence would have already been known by all. More than once the two of them prevented riders from stumbling upon her. It was Boller that discovered this cove for Melane’s practices, as he called them.

  Boller and Ponter also came to her, on their own, and pledged their loyalty to her. Still unsure of how to perceive this side of a Selam’s mannerism she didn’t quite understand the extent of their pledge. Melane learned that these two Selams would forfeit their lives to protect her. Though Melane would never ask for such a sacrifice, she did respect the strength of their loyalty. Her respect of them, and to all of Gallen’s family went as far.

  Gallen offered Melane her own house here in Windland. The memory made her laugh. Everyone knew Gallen’s offer was one of self preservation. Oh, yes, the man’s home was being devoured by one very large Kaymog!

  “He must go! There is not a tree left with bark on it, and my wife is still carrying on over the flowers he’s eaten.”

  They rode nearly a mile up the coastline before Gallen felt it a safe distance. “Here, here you can build your house and pen for the beast.”

  Boller and Ponter came with the house that day, for Gallen feared the roving bands of Selams from Wylan’s Moondock. Melane learned that the Selam raids were increasing and though Wylan swore to stop them, the lure of elamies became stronger than their king’s decree.

  If asked, Melane wouldn’t admit how safe her shadows made her feel. She knew her powers were formidable weapons and she could take care of herself should any marauders show. What Melane feared more, was having Wylan discover her presence.

  They all tried to protect her from the knowledge that both Majok and Wylan were searching for her. Dear Bella was not one to keep a secret. Majok’s search parties didn’t go on for long. Wylan was another matter and Melane had no desire to face him again. She truly feared what he might do if he learned of his child she carried.

  The house went up quickly as Gallen put many Selams working on it. Melane never expected anything as grand as the cliff house they erected. Already the walled courtyard for Rolley was nearly finished. Rolley had the forest to forge in for food and he’d gleaned a strong liking for seaweed thanks to Bella. The girl decided it would save trees if they could find a different diet for Rolley.

  Bella became a permanent resident with Melane. The rift between father and daughter seemed smaller from a distance. Melane enjoyed the girl’s company. Bella enjoyed Rolley and pampering Melane. She was truly the mothering kind, she seemed more excited than Melane over the pending birth.

  It felt rather strange how much the child changed Melane. The physical changes to her body were hard to deal with, yet fascinating to Melane. What she didn’t like was the enlightenment she gained. Melane no longer held any credence with the casting of Nemow’s sects. As Shemon told her, not all the rules were good ones or true. If Melane doubted it before, she became living proof of the society’s errors. She’d thought long and hard on changes the Nemows were going to face when the Selams enter their world.

  At this very moment, Gallen would be meeting with his council to discuss Cibrac. He asked Melane not to show herself at the meeting, and she respected his wishes. She couldn’t help but feel anxious over the news of thei
r decision. Gallen felt confident that the council would vote to help Cibrac, if nothing else the lure of a whole race of elamies wouldn’t hurt.

  ~*~

  “What are you saying Gallen?”

  “Melane is here and under my protection, Wylan. This will not change.”

  “You cannot expect me to accept your decree.”

  “But I do, Wylan. She is no longer under your control and neither will she allow it.”

  “We’ll see…”

  “No, we won’t!” The man’s hand hit the table. “You agree to these terms now, Wylan, or get out of Windland!”

  Gallen stood his ground before the furious Wylan, relieved that he insisted on keeping Melane away from the council meeting.

  “I will not accept this!”

  “Then leave the council, but before you do, realize what you are giving up for your kingdom. One Elamie for a whole society of Elamies? No more fighting Wylan, no more will the Selams want for Elamies.”

  “She told you…”

  “Melane asked for our help. Wants our protection and in return, we will combine our worlds. It seems like a good trade.”

  “Not if they are all like her.”

  Wylan’s rage bellowed across the room. “They are unschooled, prideful and frightened of Selams. Curse them Gallen, they have no Selams to compare to us! What makes you think they will accept our dominance?”

  “I never said they would. Dominance was never part of the bargain.”

  “Be clear Gallen. I’m in no mood for games.”

  “Protection for combining societies. They will be willing to become lifemates with the Selams.”

  “This is her doing!”

  Gallen never saw anyone so furious as Wylan. Except maybe his general, Majok. Gallen hoped Melane truly did learn to control her powers, if she faced either of these Selams again she would need all her powers and more to survive.

  ~*~

  Like a great wounded beast, the wind howled through the walls. Melane paced back across the room.

  “Please stop, Melane. It is just the storm.”

  “We should have heard from your father by now.” She wanted to cover her ears and scream louder than the wind assaulting her house.

  “He will come or send word, once the storm passes.” Bella watched her friend’s agitated steps take her to the balcony.

  Lightning flashed out over the water, illuminating the angry sea. Wave after angry wave crashed against the cliffs surrounding her cove. “I feel like the waves…racing to get somewhere, but always hitting an unmovable force that prevents my leave.”

  “They say women get strange feelings while carrying their child.” Bella stole a quick glance at the evidence of Melane’s condition. She bit her lip to stop the concern she felt from finding a voice. Wylan was a giant among his men and by the looks of her, their child would be huge. She decided her mother would be needed here. An unexpected visit, so she could see Melane. Her mother knew much more than Bella of the birthing ways. Bella worried over the speed and size that this child seemed to grow. Bella remembered seeing women this large at the end of their cycle. Melane could only be in her third moon shadow.

  Everyday, as the child grew, Bella’s concern whether Melane could have the child and survive the birth, grew in proportion.

  “Windland…”

  “Hmm, my father always said the cliffs sang their name.”

  “Tarra warned me of the storms.”

  “They can be vicious.”

  Melane nodded, never taking her attention away form the ocean. “It is like the sky and water are at war with each other.” She couldn’t help but feel as if the battle of these awesome powers were only a reflection of Wylan and herself. He would be the water and she the sky, both bent on destroying the other.

  He was on her mind too much of late. Melane didn’t like her heightened feelings, blaming it on the fact that he was so close. Gallen never said that he would call Wylan to the Council meeting, but she could sense that he came. Was that why Gallen didn’t want her there?

  Wylan never believed her claim before or listened to her plea to help the Nemows. Melane doubted he would agree to join Gallen now. She hated admitting how much she wanted Moondock’s Selams as a force to protect Cibrac and destroy the Kibras.

  Gallen’s army was good and strong, but they were not equal to Wylan’s army.

  If Wylan did agree, Melane couldn’t help but worry over their impending meeting. She would be with the army marching to Cibrac…she would not be returning. She made her decision over these last weeks.

  Her throat tightened over her belief that their meeting would become a worse battle than what they’d face with the Kibras. Melane wished there were a way to conceal her condition from Wylan. “He mustn’t know…”

  “Who, Melane?”

  She turned slowly and faced the girl. “Wylan must not know about this.”

  Bella’s worried gaze dropped to Melane’s stomach. “I don’t see how he could fail to notice.”

  For a brief second Melane thought about controlling his thoughts, but no, she would never be able to keep it up when her powers would be needed for fighting the Kibras. Besides, she swore never to use her powers on Wylan again.

  “You are right Bella, but it wouldn’t hurt to delay the knowledge.”

  “You think he will join my father and go with you to Cibrac?”

  “I know he will.”

  “Then we will have to find a way.”

  Chapter 13

  To War

  He sensed her presence before she rode into view on the beast. Wylan felt his entire body strike alive over the vision she made. When did the young girl he remembered turn into the beautiful woman that rode down from the mountains before the army of Selams? She looked regal as a queen before them.

  The world seemed to halt on its axis when their gazes locked. He wanted to see the fire light her eyes, but Wylan received the coldest of cold acknowledgement, ice blue, not even a spark emanated from her. Wylan wanted to roar, cry out and demand she meet him head on. He wanted to see her hate if that was all that filled her heart!

  She rode past him as if he were nothing but a lackey. Wylan’s jaw pulsed under the force he exerted not to drag her off that beast of hers. At least the beast gave him a low growl of warning recognition as Melane took up her position on the other side of Gallen.

  The clatter of a thousand swords couldn’t drowned out the rage coming from Wylan. The fire of his soul reached out to burn her own! Out of self preservation Melane’s fingers closed over the broach that held the great cloak closed. Melane silently hoped Bella’s hard work to camouflage their child lasted at least until they reached Cibrac. On home ground, Melane knew she could deal with Wylan’s outrage.

  Right now, it took all her control not to react to his presence, let alone what she knew he wanted from her.

  Another, more vicious thought, cut across Wylan’s! Majok! Melane forced herself not to acknowledge his approach, the man wanted a battle and Melane would like nothing more than to give him one. Only Wylan’s nearness prevented her participation.

  The roar of hooves racing towards her drew Gallen’s attention away from his Captains. Melane held her ground and gave her silent nod to Gallen that said she would let him take charge of the situation.

  “What are you doing here, Majok?”

  As Gallen moved between her and Majok, Boller and Ponter came to take their stand on either side of her.

  “These are my men and this is my elamie!”

  “Then go and take control of your men.”

  “And Melane!”

  “She has made it clear she does not want you.”

  Never once did Wylan look back at her. Melane bit the inside of her cheek not to utter a word. She came prepared to blow Majok off his mount if the situation called for action. But at the moment she became more interested in Wylan and his unexpected behavior.

  “She is my lifemate.” Majok’s gaze grew hard under the anger he
held for her.

  Wylan moved his mount between her and Majok. Facing Majok his voice billowed out. “She was never yours, Majok!”

  Melane’s head jerked to Wylan, she wished she could see more than his back.

  “I’m giving you an order Majok, take charge of your men or stand down!”

  All grew silent under the weight of Wylan’s ultimatum. All eyes remained on the furious Majok. Melane’s breath rushed out when the man finally spun his mount around and galloped back to his troops.

  When Wylan turned, their gazes locked. Neither of them said anything, Wylan finally moved back to Gallen’s side.

  Gallen issued the order to move out and the great force began its march to Cibrac.

  After giving the initial directions, Melane moved slightly back from the front line. She thought it wise not to be in Wylan’s company more than necessary. They were facing over a week’s march to reach Cibrac if all went as planned.

  Rolley’s snort of excitement earned her first smile in days, since hearing of Wylan’s agreement to join Gallen’s army. She, like Rolley, was impatient to reach Cibrac. It had been nearly seven moon shadows since she left home in search of the Selams. Melane hoped all was well at Cibrac and that it would remain well once the Selams were back in their lives.

  Gallen pushed them on until late in the day before making camp. Boller and Ponter erected their camp and took up their posts outside of her tent. Melane felt weary from the long ride. She hoped she managed not to show the toll the ride took on her. Her bodyguards knew her well and rode on each side of her the rest of the day, much to Wylan’s displeasure. More than once, she caught his angry scowl at them. Boller barely contained his own anger with her, he told her under his breath, that he was going to pull her out of the line and take her home. If she were truthful she should probably let him, but Melane needed to be there when they reached Cibrac, only then would the Sects believe these Selams came to help, not capture.