Tara could guess Darius wasn’t missing a word.
With a sigh, Patha sat back down and rubbed his forehead. “Tara has shared her feelings with me, now I must hear yours. What are your intentions here?”
Tara suddenly realized how old he looked.
Darius placed his hands on Tara’s shoulders. “Patha, I love your daughter.”
Tara trembled inside. She felt a quiver go through her body and wondered if Darius felt it too. He’d just said he loved her. Did he mean it, or was he saying what Patha wanted to hear? She had seen affection in his eyes, but she would have been inclined to think of it as possession more than love. Maybe, this was his culture showing through. After all, claiming a woman and owning her without concern to her thoughts or beliefs was the only way of life he’d ever known.
“I hope the two of you have the same meaning of love.” Patha smiled gently at his daughter. “I’ll accept that answer. Now, when you unite, you’ll bring together two cultures. It’ll be hard on both of you. I want this uniting to be more official than a marriage, or claim, as the Gothman call it.”
Patha reached inside his jacket and pulled out some papers that were clipped together. He dropped the papers on the table and looked at Lord Darius.
“This is a treaty of peace between the Gothman and the Runners. It will state officially to Nuworld that our two races have united. There will be no race stronger, or larger in numbers, once our signatures appear on this treaty. It states that you’ll continue to rule Gothman, and I’ll rule the Runners. When I die, Tara is my next in line. She’ll be leader of the Runners and the Blood Circle Clan. The two of you will rule almost half of Nuworld. While I am alive at least, that rule will be a fair one. Read through this treaty carefully. The Runners will not help you with this war until this treaty is signed.” Patha got up and headed to the entrance of the tent. “I’ll be waiting for your response.”
He pulled a comm out of his pocket and handed it to Tara. “Contact me when it’s signed.”
Patha walked out of the tent, leaving Tara and Darius alone. She turned and looked up at him.
He returned her look, moving his hands to her head and stroking her hair.
“How long have you known Patha and Reena were my parents?” She didn’t know why that was the first thing out of her mouth with all the issues at hand.
“A good ruler must know what is going on in his kingdom.” He smiled at her. “I remember hearing about it when I was a boy. My papa was furious when Patha took you. You were claimed to my brother, did you know that? I didn’t know you were the girl I’d heard about as a child until you told me your papa was Patha.”
“I just found out myself. It appears I’m only half-Runner.” She suddenly felt very serious—the rush of excitement was gone.
Darius grinned. “When did you find out that I loved you?”
“Just now.”
He laughed and pulled her out of her chair, sat and set her on his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her so tightly, all air was forced from her lungs. She felt very lightheaded as he released his grasp and stared into her eyes.
What a man he was! She was proud of his conversation with Patha. He’d been put on trial as a leader during that brief conversation. Patha had tested Lord Darius’ knowledge, and all the answers had been delivered without hesitation. She hadn’t known how excellent a leader he was until that moment.
“My lady, we’re meant for each other. You took me on by the horns, you did. I thought I could break you at first, but then I found I didn’t want to. It’s the excitement in your eyes when you’re challenged that I love, yes. I wouldn’t be happy with a passive woman. I tried to make myself think I would, but as they were presented to me, they disgusted me. Then, you came along.
“Oh, I knew you were a Runner. Patha was right. I broke my own laws. There was no way I could let you go, though. We’re an excellent team, you and I. What do you say to that?”
She smiled. “I’ll challenge you, that’s for sure, Darius. We’re equals, and I have no problem with accepting the challenge of teaching you that. Neither of us surpasses the other in any way I can see. I’ll say this much, you proved your worthiness to lead this country to Patha. He was impressed, and so was I.” Tara wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately.
He picked her up and carried her toward the adjoining room. A blanket served as a door, and he pulled it to the side so they could pass. There were no windows in this room, and when the blanket fell, the room became dark.
Tara’s eyes adjusted and she could see a large down mattress on the floor with several quilts thrown over it.
“If there were time, I would ravish you right now,” Darius growled as his arms slipped around her. He began slow kisses up her neck toward her ear.
“If there were time,” Tara began and ran her hands up his chest until she clasped them behind his neck. She stood on tiptoe, leaning her head and allowing him room to continue his path of kisses. “I would demand you satisfy the fire you’ve lit in me.”
Darius chuckled.
She could feel his body tremor.
“And if I refused?” he asked.
“I would have to take you by force,” she whispered and then captured his mouth when he turned to look at her with pure amusement on his face.
Darius growled and deepened the kiss, until Tara was mad with need. But now wasn’t the time. Troops waited outside, and both of them had work to do. She sighed and loosened her grip.
Darius kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her. “I do want to know when you planned on telling me that you’re pregnant.” He walked out of the room.
“What?” Tara yanked the blanket to the side and stormed after him.
Darius sat at the table, the treaty in his hands. He glanced up with a mischievous grin on his face.
She glared as she slammed down her fist on the table. “How could you possibly know if I am pregnant?” She snapped at him so hard that he raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“I told you I know everything that goes on in Gothman.” He was still smiling but quickly looked back down at the treaty.
She walked over and pulled the treaty out of his hands. “I don’t know that I am pregnant and nor does anyone else.” She had begun yelling but quickly lowered her voice to a snarl.
He leaned back in the chair and looked at her. “I know that a true warrior eagerly takes on the challenge of battle. The look in your eyes over the thought of defeating the Sea People matches the feeling in my soul. Our battle will begin soon, and the satisfaction of their blood on our hands will be yours as well as mine. You’re an outstanding warrior. You’ve proven your abilities, and I need your skills. As a good warrior, I know you respect the chain of command. But the plain simple truth is, I outrank you. I am lord, you are not. Therefore, I assure you, my lady, the second you start to show signs of carrying our child, the future ruler of the greatest nation on this planet, I will see to it that you are taken from the battle.”
His voice was so low and calm, she knew there was no way she could argue. His was a very sensible statement. If she knew one of her warriors were pregnant, Tara would remove her from the line as well.
Suddenly, she was outraged. Hilda or Reena had obviously gotten word to him, there was no other way he would have this knowledge. No proof her pregnancy existed other than a look noticed by an old woman.
Tara turned and stormed toward the bedroom, then turned as if to leave the tent. The thought of not being in control of her own body, of something else taking over, was new. She was not one to be owned, and she viewed this as a loss of her freedom. Having a child wasn’t a top priority for her, but then, neither was falling in love. She was a warrior!
She stormed outside and plucked her landlink from the bike, then returned to the inside of the tent and flung herself into a chair at the table, desperately trying to discipline her thoughts. She couldn’t and slammed down her fists on the table, causing everything on it to bounce.<
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Darius knew the temper of a warrior should be treated with its due respect. He thought his words out carefully and spoke very gently. “My lady, do you not want this child?”
She glared, not softened by the gentle look. “Darius, how could you possibly understand?” She didn’t completely understand herself. “Now’s not the time for this. There’s so much to do. The crisis before us is great, and we must be careful in order to win the day. This…pregnancy…would only be a distraction. It can’t be true. There’s no proof. We can’t rely on some woman’s knowledge about a supposed pregnancy.”
“Time will be proof enough, it will. I’m sure there are doctors in your camp that could ease your mind, if you wish.” He smiled and cautiously covered her hand with his. He was seeing a side of her that was new. Tara had an incredible temper.
“I have faith in Gothman doctors and their ways, my lady. I know some Runner ways are different from ours. I’ve heard stories of how Runners try to control when they have a baby, yes. And there are even tales told how you will decide not to be pregnant, even after you are that way. If you don’t want this right now…” he paused and looked at her, knowing the seriousness of what he said was written on his face. “This time, I will allow you to choose not to be pregnant, I will. But hear me, I won’t allow it a second time, no.”
* * * * *
Tara knew what he was implying, and she gave him an odd look. This wasn’t the way of his culture, to consent to abort the pregnancy—if there was one. She leaned back in the chair and stared, studying the radiant gray eyes and the curly dark blond locks that surrounded his face. He was quite easily the most handsome man she’d ever laid eyes on. What appealed to her most was what she saw in his eyes. He possessed something she’d not seen in other Gothman. He didn’t take things for granted because of tradition. Darius challenged life. Laws and social expectations didn’t faze him. The man existed by what he saw as right in his heart.
Tara saw a lot of herself in him. It tied their spirits in a bond she knew could not be reversed.
“No, if I am pregnant, I will stay that way. Such things won’t be reversed, if they do in fact exist.” Tara knew a pregnancy would bind them together more so than a Gothman claim could. She felt her stomach tighten at the thought.
“I knew that would be your answer, but the choice exists for Runners, and I will not deny you your heritage.” He squeezed her hand, and she looked up quickly. “We conceived the first time we were together, I’m sure of it! We were meant to be together, my lady.” He leaned over and kissed her gently.
“Promise me our child will know no prejudice, not over race or sex. If there is a child.” She needed to add this one last point.
“I’ll do my best, my lady.”
He took the treaty out of her hands and pulled her chair next to his. With his arm wrapped about Tara, he set the treaty in front of them. The two read it together.
Patha put a lot of thought into the papers. It was full of the necessity of equality among all men and women. It emphasized that the Runners and the Gothman were setting a standard they hoped the rest of the world would meet. Nuworld would need to become one united nation. It stated this would be the only way all war and hostility could end. The treaty stated all cultures should always be honored and respected for their diversity. No race should ever be asked to give up its traditions or religious beliefs to adhere to the beliefs of another race. If two cultures chose to unite, it would be their responsibility to peacefully combine their cultures.
The treaty was very idealistic, Tara thought, after having read through it. What a wonderful world it would be if it could actually be enforced to the last letter. However, she feared that when Runners and Gothman started to follow its instruction, it would be a difficult paper to honor.
Darius shared her concern as they mulled over different sentences and argued certain points. The day was well over when they finally emerged from the tent.
“Here.” Tara stopped him outside of the tent and put the comm around his ear. “You will need to learn how to use one of these.” She adjusted the device so it would reach his mouth then secured it.
“What is it?”
“It’s similar to your walkntalks. You can choose who you wish to talk to, however, and the main landlink will secure your line. We call them ‘comms’.”
He felt the mouthpiece and blew into it.
“There’s a switch right here.” Tara showed him. “Flip it on and tell the landlink you want to speak to Patha. You don’t have to speak loudly. Its microphone is very sensitive. A whisper can be detected.”
Darius pushed the switch and requested to speak to Patha.
Tara watched the look of fascination on his face as he listened.
“We will go down to the Blood Circle Clan and meet him there,” Darius stated after he’d finished talking with Patha. “Do you think we can get more of these?”
“I’d think they should be supplied to all the Gothman army. I can confirm with Patha, but I’m fairly sure we have an ample supply. It would be difficult to fight a war without them.” Tara climbed onto her bike. “I guess we’re already incorporating part of that treaty. Our cultures are uniting.”
* * * * *
“Our cultures are still very different.” He stared across the meadow at his army as the men prepared for nightfall. Yes, very different. He had found the woman for him who came from a very different culture, and he was willing for their cultures to learn and grow together. But Darius had to admit to himself that he wasn’t willing for their relationship to become a bonding of cultures. He thought about his own urges to demand obedience from Tara. She’d accepted his claim, was pregnant with his child, and it was all happening so fast. He needed time to assume control over her.
“We’ll have to be the example of equality in a couple,” Tara said, as if she sensed his thoughts and wanted to differ with them.
The two drove slowly through the camp and observed the men, who appeared quite ready for battle. Campfires were lit, and talking and laughter could be heard. Cheers and whoops, and just a few catcalls rang out as Darius and Tara moved among the men huddled in groups around the fires.
* * * * *
The small Runner clan they approached next was much quieter. Trailers and vans were parked in a circle with motorcycles parked around the edge. The Runners watched with curiosity as Tara and the Gothman lord drove through the camp. Tara knew that through transmissions circulated among them, the Runners probably already knew of the treaty. Patha would have made an announcement about it upon his return.
Darius saluted the Runners they passed, and the Runners acknowledged the deference with raised arms of greetings.
This was promising, Tara thought, although she knew the Runners would face less change with the treaty than the Gothman. The Runners were not opposed to change. Their nomadic heritage had provided much opportunity for them to adapt over the winters.
The next clan they approached—the Blood Circle Clan—stood and cheered the second Tara and Darius were spotted, outdoing the noise the Gothman had made. Several of the younger Runners ran beside the motorcycles encouraging the two along. Tara pulled up alongside a large trailer and got off her bike.
“Well, Tara, you sure have brought the crowd out tonight.” The pair turned to see a young woman approaching them. Her Runner outfit showed every curve of her female body, and the black headscarf didn’t conceal a sneer.
“Tasha, I didn’t know you’d returned.”
“How could you when you were off playing house with some Gothman lord? Although why you chose such a primitive race is beyond me. I never took you to be the submissive type.” The young lady eyed Darius and flashed a flirtatious smile. “So tell me, did you have to beat her terribly to get her to obey?”
“Not terribly.” Darius let his gaze wander over the young Runner.
“Lord Darius, I would like you to meet my sister, Tasha.”
“No, she wouldn’t like you to meet me.” Tasha
sashayed in a circle around Darius before coming back around to face him. “But, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. From what I hear, it sounds like the two of you are trying to rule Nuworld.”
“Come on.” Tara took Darius’ hand. “Patha is waiting.”
“I’ll say this,” Tasha continued as they walked away. “He’s much better looking than Kuro was.”
“Who’s Kuro?” Darius growled.
“He’s a guy I dated when I was a teenager.” She waved her hand, dismissing the comment her sister had made. “Tasha’s trying to start trouble. It’s her nature. You aren’t jealous, are you?” She looked up to see if she could read his thoughts.
His face was expressionless, and he looked straight ahead.
They spent several hours with Patha, going over the details of the treaty, discussing military strategy, and explaining the comm along with other military equipment that the Runners were willing to supply to the Gothman. When finally the two left the trailer, it was quite dark, and the Runner camp had settled. All was quiet.
When they returned to the Gothman camp, Darius informed the guards he wanted his men assembled so he could speak to them. Thirty minutes later, the soldiers gathered in the meadow, looking curiously at Tara as she stood next to their lord.
Tara listened quietly, with her eyes on the crowd of men as Darius explained the treaty and the new equipment to be provided by the Runners.
“Today is a great day in Gothman history, it is.” Darius’ voice boomed through the speaker. “The Runners presented a treaty to me today, asking Gothman to form a truce with them, and to exist as their allies. I daresay Runners are a race different from many since they have no land, and move about from place to place to support themselves. They have learned about many races on Nuworld and know Gothman are the strongest and most powerful, yes. So, they come to us seeking allegiance, and I have granted it. This is an excellent move for Gothman, it is, since the Runners have obtained knowledge that will now be readily available to Gothman. We go down in history today for discovering this race and seeing the abilities they can offer us.”
Nuworld: The Saga Begins Page 16