Daughter Of Ethos: Deadly Betrayal Book 5

by L M Lacee

  Esther told the large Warrior. ‘Grathum, bring her inside.’

  Peyton sighed as she assured him. ‘I am alright Commander, thank you so much.’

  ‘She is addled, she called me Commander!’ He told Rion as he strode into the hall.

  Peyton smiled as she asked. ‘No, I am not, you all got promoted. Did you not get the notice?’

  Grathum shook his head. ‘No, Madam, where would we learn of that?’

  Willian came in from the offices and hurried over. ‘What happened?’ He took her small body from Grathum and placed her gently on a chair as Jarrod took her wrist in his hand and mind-sent.

  Peyton are you well?

  I am fine just...

  ‘The sun stole her energy.’ Grathum told them. They all looked at her for an explanation as she gave them a small smile. ‘Sort of. He drew energy from me and forgot to replace it. Nothing that coffee and cake won’t fix. Willian go with Grathum and his squad brothers and explain how they get notices. They do not know of their promotions.’

  Netta said. ‘They probably don’t know about their pay either.’

  Concerned, Willian touched her shoulder as he asked. ‘I will, Peyton, you are well?’

  She looked up at him and promised. ‘I am, I swear.’

  He nodded at her assurances, then turned to the Warriors. ‘Commander’s if you would come with me. I will explain promotions and wages and where in future you learn to obtain information on Prime and the worlds.’

  Keylan let out a loud scream, hurriedly Peyton pale and trembling, scooped her into her arms. ‘It is alright sweetie. I am here, Mama is here, hush now.’ She looked at Netta. ‘Comm home, Rayvan and Hope will be upset, as will the kits. Tell them I am well, before they send up alarms everywhere.’

  Netta was on her link before she finished speaking. But suddenly a holo screen appeared from the comp’ on the table. Rayvan appeared with a tragic expression on his small face. He stood next to an equally tearful Hope. Next to them were the kits.

  ‘Mama.’ Rayvan and Hope cried together.

  Peyton said. ‘I am fine, I am sorry. Mama is okay. We still plan on being home for eve-meal.’

  They both smiled looking relieved. The kits rolled over in relief or Peyton thought it was relief. It could have been because they were itchy, sometimes it was hard to know with kits.

  Carrick came into view behind the children and asked. ‘Did you forget to explain something to me, Madam?’

  ‘She does that.’ A helpful Netta told him.

  Peyton sniffed. ‘I may have. I will fix it now, Carrick.’

  ‘Thank you Madam, it makes life easier.’

  ‘Yes it does, comms out.’ She hurriedly explained. ‘He is a little intense.’

  Esther tried to take a sobbing Keylan from Peyton, but she screamed as she clung to her.

  ‘What is going on?’ Esther asked Peyton, who shook her head.

  Netta passed her a cup of coffee and a bottle of juice for Keylan, who took it as her eyes blinked furiously. Peyton finally told them. ‘The little ones know when something happens to me, they feel it. If I am in distress they know.’

  Jarrod asked. ‘When did this develop?’

  ‘I noticed several nights ago, when I could not sleep, they could not. It is my fault when things got weird, I think I was clinging so hard to them, that I have synced us together.’ She looked at Jarrod. ‘I need help to undo us.’

  He smiled and caressed her cheek. ‘Was that hard to do?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘Ask for help.’

  ‘Maybe, can you fix us?’

  ‘Of course as you can.’

  Netta demanded to know. ‘Why are you asking Jarrod, if you can do it?’

  Suna grinned and said gently. ‘Mama cannot, can you dearle?’

  Peyton looked up at her as she stood next to Esther. ‘No, I am scared it will hurt them and it just seems wrong as a mother to do so.’

  Esther took her hand. ‘Girly, you won’t hurt them, it is not right to be so wrapped up together, that is not a parent’s job. We are to guide, love and nurture our young, not bind them to us so tightly they cannot breathe. You know this.’

  Jarrod said. ‘I will do it.’

  Esther nodded. ‘Unravel them now please, before she chickens out.’

  ‘Aww Esther!’

  Jarrod smiled as he linked his mind not with the mind of the Star Daughter. Her mind was too vast a place to go playing in. Instead he followed the linked pathway from Keylan, to her brother and sister and then to Peyton. Swiftly he unraveled them. He then did the same with the pathway that linked them to the kits.

  When he tried to untangle the pathway from the kits to Peyton he found he was unable to do so. Each time he dismantled the pathway, it was rebuilt, finally, he traced it back to the kits and explained. You are entangled.

  Briark growled. We are bonded.

  Jarrod silently laughed as he said. It is more than being bonded. You are entwined and overshadowing Peyton, you must release her.

  No.

  No.

  Jarrod tried another tactic. When her mate comes, she will want privacy, to be with him.

  No mate.

  She is ours.

  Has kits.

  We enough for Mama Star.

  Jarrod grinned and said. Little ones, I understand. Although her mate may not. The Star Child has foretold of his arrival.

  No, our Mama Star.

  Not share.

  Then a force Jarrod had never felt before, but seemed similar to Rage and the twins appeared. A shower of golden sparkles coalesced into a bright golden light in the shape of a Prowler.

  Release her kits. It is not your right to stop her bonding with her mate.

  Briark cried. She is ours, we are here for her.

  Leiark said. She is our bondmate.

  Young ones, she will always be yours, you are for her as she is for you and she will remain yours but you must share.

  We will share.

  If we must!

  The entity shimmered and Jarrod thought it felt like laughter, then the entity spoke to him.

  Kail Jarrod we greet thee.

  As I you.

  Please convey to Tivna Melody we are pleased with her.

  She will be delighted to know she has not disappointed your faith in her. I know she worries about this.

  We are far from disappointed, as we are not with thy brother, Telfor, and Artar Kate. They have exceeded all our hopes.

  I will tell them this.

  Kail we give blessings on you and yours. And thank you for the care of our Beloved.

  I thank you, it is my honor and pleasure. She fills me with hope for the future.

  As she gives us hope.

  When he came back to the world around him, it was to find himself lying on the table, a cushion under his head. Peyton’s hands were on his chest and Avana stood next to him looking worried, she said. ‘Greetings my brother, who did you meet?’

  ‘You know I met someone?’

  Peyton smiled. ‘Yes.’

  Esther placed her hand on his forehead. ‘You gave us a fright, my boy.’

  Netta huskily told him. ‘Your hearts stopped.’

  ‘I apologize.’

  Esther nodded. ‘We know you do, and we know it was not your fault, but in saying that, do not do it again.’ She asked Peyton. ‘Is he alright now?’

  ‘Yes Esther, he is well, everything is working again.’

  Avana leaned her forehead on his chest. ‘Thank you, Peyton, sister of my heart. I swear I would not have been telling Trina he was gone.’

  Peyton assured them. ‘Oh, I know, don’t worry I have a very nice planet picked out for all us if anything ever goes wrong.’

  Netta asked with a shaky laugh. ‘How long have you had that planned?’

  ‘Five mins.’

  They all laughed this time, releasing the tension that had come over them when Jarrod’s hearts had stopped working.

  Jarrod sm
oothed a hand over Avana’s hair and whispered. ‘I met the Tuarillians.’

  ‘Oh, how amazing. Were they nice to you?’ Peyton asked.

  ‘Yes Peyton, they gave blessings for everyone and want me to thank Melody, Telfor and Kate for their care of the Prowlers. They thanked me for caring for the Star Daughter.’

  Peyton was surprised as she said. ‘They know about me.’

  Avana asked. ‘Why would they not?’

  Peyton shrugged. ‘Why would they?’

  ‘How nice.’ Esther said loudly, stopping the argument from starting.

  Peyton leaned over and kissed Jarrod’s cheek and placed hers against his as she mind-sent.

  They gave you more streaks.

  Ahh! That happens, I am well, do not fear Peyton.

  I cannot do this without you my Jarrod, please don’t go away.

  Hush Peyton, I am well and I am here. It is far from my time to go through the gates to the afterlife.

  There are gates?

  He smiled, then said. ‘I am well, now let me up.’

  Peyton grinned as she stepped back, saying. ‘But I get to tell Trina I had you on your back, right?’

  ‘With your hands all over him.’ Netta chipped in.

  ‘Oh, yeah, and that.’

  Jarrod growled as he slipped from the table. ‘Females, you live dangerously.’

  THIRTY-TWO:

  Ipeara followed a very happy Mina and Boaks from the Grasshopper. When Boaks saw Willian he ran to him joyfully, as Willian reached down and scratched behind his ears. ‘I am happy to see you, my bonded, I thought you were in class today?’

  Class finished earlier than expected. Ipeara offered to bring me with her and Mina.

  Willian smiled. ‘Well, I am happy you are here. Where is Peneria?’

  She was busy, she said she would see us at home.

  ‘Okay, greetings Ipeara.’

  ‘Greetings Willian.’

  On seeing Peyton, Mina hung back shyly with her bonded as Ipeara greeted her. ‘Greetings, Madam.’

  ‘Greetings, Ipeara, welcome to Terra.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘So you are to pilot us home?’

  She grinned. ‘I am officially on my first trial mission as Madam’s pilot.’

  ‘Oh my, don’t you sound all official. Have you been here before?’

  She shook her head. ‘I have not.’

  ‘Really, well you are in for a treat. Mina, are you not going to greet me?’

  Greetings Mama Star.

  ‘Greetings Mina, I think you will enjoy Terra.’

  Peyton grinned, Mina was adorable and so very cute for a five yenta old. She and her sisters who Peyton had met, were articulate and educated, which was a reflection on their pride. They had assumed that if they were an abnormal color they were stupid, so their mother had them schooled. Sadly, this entailed copious amounts of pain and humiliation, leaving Mina and her sisters wary of anyone in authority. Unfortunately when their mother who had been the leader died, the education they received did not stop them from being banished by the new leader.

  Peyton asked. ‘So Mina have you ever tasted fruit?’

  Mina cocked her head to the side. I do not believe I have Mama Star, is it nice?

  ‘It is very nice, but you may find out for yourself. Boaks have you been here before?’

  Yes, Beloved, but not long enough to taste the produce.

  Peyton frowned at Willian, who shrugged and said. ‘What can I say? They were brief visits.’

  She said with disproval ringing through her words. ‘I see.’

  He knew she would have more to say later on the subject. Peyton did not believe anyone could only visit Terra briefly. Her visit today although she had been here for hours was she considered brief.

  She yelled for Knife. ‘Knife baby, come to Mama Star!’

  Suddenly a bundle of fur smacked into her legs. Oops.

  She grinned. ‘Yes and oww! Knife, this is Mina, she is bonded to Ipeara and you know, Boaks. I was hoping you would take her and Boaks around, and show them Terra, and maybe taste some fruit.’

  Isa can do tat, mees a good shower.

  ‘Mina, Boaks would you like to go with young Knife, who is Netta’s bondmate and is almost three yentas old and very clever.’

  They both nodded as Knife wiggled with pleasure at her praise, he said. I wills go slow, so yoos don miss noffin.

  Boaks said. Thank you, Knife.

  Mina shyly said. Thank you.

  They made to leave when Netta said. ‘Knife two whistles.’

  Yes, Mama Netta.

  She told Ipeara. ‘I call him with whistles, each time it is a different number, sometimes he is forgetful of words like, come now or I want you. But a whistle I have found he never misunderstands.’

  Peyton told them absently as she watched the Prowlers walk away. ‘It is because it resonates in his brain, even if he is asleep he hears it, weird but a fact.’

  ‘You know some weird tuap, female.’ Stated Nina as she walked up behind Peyton, who grinned.

  ‘Yep! Ipeara, this is Nina. Nina, this is Ipeara, my pilot.’

  Nina smiled at Ipeara and said. ‘Welcome Ipeara, let me show you around.’

  ‘Madam, is that alright for me to leave the shuttle?’

  ‘Yes, we are on Terra. We have only two more hours please, Nina.’

  ‘Yes... yes, seriously don’t nag.’ Nina told her with an eye roll.

  ‘Well, don’t make me send Netta after you.’

  ‘Sheesh, if it was about her coffee or chocolate plants she would be here all weken.’ Nina whispered loudly to Ipeara, who smiled when Peyton called out. ‘I heard that.’

  ‘You were meant too.’ Nina laughingly called back.

  THIRTY-THREE:

  As it was, they were only thirty mins late in leaving, because it took that long for Suna and the twins to say all their goodbyes. And Esther had last minute assurances to give to the females who were going to Prime to train as nannies.

  Peyton made Leota and Sandra aware that she would notify the councilors of Scholarary and assured them they would go as soon as possible. She also assured Fenthic that if he wished he could stay on Terra and she would notify Janet and Wade about him. He agreed and like Leota, was pleased or so Willian said after he talked to him.

  Grathum, Rion and Tunera said their own farewells to Fenthic and Leota, who were staying to begin their new lives. William assured them he would send their gear the following day.

  Finally, after protracted goodbyes and assurances from Nina, that yes, she would definitely comm her regularly as she always did about the coffee and chocolate plants they left.

  Peyton told Netta that she had accompanied that statement with a totally unnecessary growl.

  Netta had replied with an eye roll as they lifted off the planet.

  Peyton asked Ipeara once they had left Terra’s orbit. ‘Did you enjoy your first time on Terra?’

  ‘It was wonderful, the fruit and vegetables were unique. There were many I have never tasted before and some I found strange.’

  Esther smiled as she told her. ‘We find that as well.’

  Netta asked Mina and Boaks. ‘Did you two like Terra?’

  Mina replied. I enjoyed the fruit it was as my bonded said interesting.

  Boaks said. It was satisfying. I have filled my belly. That is always good.

  Which made them all laugh. It was a relaxed and happy company of people who were pleased to be returning to Prime. The twins were excited to be going home, they were to live with Heather and Harm.

  Peyton thought they were more excited about seeing their bedrooms, which Heather had decorated for them. Even Grathum and his brothers were more relaxed than they had been on the way to Terra. They talked with Netta, Willian, Esther and Suna, with Dilly and Opal on their knees. The girls stared around with wide-eyed wonder. It was their first time in a shuttle since arriving from Earth. They vacillated between amazement and fear as they looked out
the windows. Every now and again they would touch one of the Warriors, to reassure themselves they were still there. It was wonderful to see, and the joy on the male’s faces each time they did, told their own story.

  Peyton sat with Keylan as tiredness swept over her in a rush. She closed her eyes as the hum of voices lulled her into a light doze.

  Avana and Jarrod sat together as Koana slept in his arms, a contented sigh escaped before he said.

  ‘It was a pleasant visit.’

  ‘It was. Jarrod are you sure you are well?’

  ‘I am dearle, very well.’

  ‘What were the Tuarillians like?’

  ‘Impressive, they manifested as a ball of golden light. Then formed the shape of a Prowler. I enjoyed talking to them.’

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. ‘I am happy you are well. I would miss you in my life.’

  Smiling, he returned the sentiment. ‘As I would miss you, sister.’

  THIRTY-FOUR:

  Fifty mins later, Ipeara was guiding the shuttle to land on Prime at the coordinates air command had sent her. The Grasshopper was operating smoothly, and she was pleased with her first time as pilot for Madam Peyton. Her comp told her they were just under one hundred feet from the ground and everything looked good.

  Enara grabbed her sister’s arm and pointed out the side window. ‘Look Enuru!’

  ‘At what?’

  ‘Winged people.’

  ‘Ooh, where?’

  ‘There… look.’

  ‘Now that is a sight one would never tire of.’ Esther said to Suna as they both stared out their window at the Draygon’s flying closer.

  ‘Is this to be a normal occurrence when the Star Daughter arrives home?’ Suna asked as she laughed up at Peyton, who stood behind the twins.

  Netta stood next to her holding Keylan, who babbled at the sight.

  Willian came to where they stood. ‘No, Lady Suna, they are not meant to fly over this area.’

  ‘Maybe they got off track!’ Rion offered as he watched the flying figures come closer.

  Jarrod murmured as he sat beside Avana holding Koana, who also waved her arms at the fliers. ‘Perhaps.’

  ‘They are inexperienced.’ Peyton asked. ‘Jarrod, are you picking up anything?’