Seven Sisters

by Eileen Troemel

  “We have work to do,” Lydia said, frowning. She remembered sledding.

  Mycos watched her, knew she thought of her own childhood. “Do you want to go out,” he asked.

  “We have the strategy meeting,” she said. “The colonel and his squad will be here for lunch. We have to get ready for it.”

  “Abby, will you be brave,” Mycos said, noting the wistful tone in Lydia’s voice.

  “I can come in,” Abby said.

  “Have we ever made you stay outside here? Before you put the snow pants on, go to the bathroom first,” Lydia said.

  “Okay,” Abby scooted back down the hall to the room she shared with Hannah.

  “If you want to sled, we could take half an hour,” Mycos said.

  “She needs to learn some independence,” Lydia said. “Mycos, I feel overwhelmed. How do we find mates for all your men, get this world to accept us, and prepare for me to represent the family on the high council?”

  “You will manage,” Mycos said. “We will work on it together.”

  “Are you getting kissy,” Abby asked sliding across the floor in her socks.

  “Yes,” Lydia said kissing her cheek and then blowing on it, making a loud noise.

  “I want one,” Abby asked puckering her lips and pressing them to Mycos’ mouth. It was the first time she kissed him on the mouth. “His face is rough,” Abby said pulling back. “It tickles.”

  “It has been hours since I shaved,” Mycos said.

  “It’s okay,” Abby said. “Brothers can kiss sisters, right?”

  “Absolutely,” Lydia said.

  “How do I get into these,” Abby asked holding up the snowpants.

  Mycos helped her get her snow pants, jacket, hat, mittens and scarf on. “I can hardly move,” Abby said. “I’m hot.”

  “Landros will take you out,” Mycos said. “If you are hot in here, you will not be cold out there.”

  “I can come back in if I get cold,” Abby asked.

  “Yes,” Lydia said continuing to give her reassurance. “Look Landros has warm clothes on too.”

  “Sledding,” Abby said. “I don’t think I’ll like it.”

  “Shall we try it and see,” Landros said. He opened the French doors and helped her outside.

  “Oh,” Lydia said. “She will fight to stay out, you watch.”

  “The kiss,” Mycos said rising from the floor.

  “It’s how I kissed my father,” Lydia said. “She’s feeling safer.” Lydia turned to him, held him close to her. “What will you do when she’s old enough to find a mate?”

  Mycos frowned, he said, “She is too young to even consider it.”

  “Ten years,” Lydia said. “Ten years and she could be like the new girls.”

  “It …” Mycos held her tight against him. “Seventeen is too young.”

  “I’m eighteen,” Lydia said. “You made me your mate.”

  “No,” Mycos cursed. “Infernum… I find myself torn.”

  “It’s a different perspective, isn’t it,” Lydia said kissing his cheek chastely. “You wanted to rush me to bed but the idea of someone doing the same to her upsets you. Guess you’re turning into dad.” She whispered the last part.

  “We should avoid telling her,” Mycos said. “Meeting or sledding?”

  “Meeting,” Lydia said with a sigh. “I can hear her screaming and laughing.”

  Mycos walked to the door, watched as Landros held her in his lap while they rode a small round sled down the hill. “We need to get pictures,” he said.

  “Yes,” Lydia said. “Of all of them. There goes Nic.”

  “She almost looks like a child,” Mycos said.

  “Thank you,” Lydia said. “For giving us some of our childhood back.”

  ***

  Colonel Brown arrived promptly at noon. His squad reported screaming in the yard earlier. He hoped nothing was wrong. He looked at his squad of twenty men and women. They were all perfectly dressed in their uniforms.

  “Perfect behavior,” Colonel Brown reminded them as he reached for the doorbell.

  A squeal and laughter, high pitched followed by deep male laughter resonated through the door. The door opened, Lydia smiled. “Welcome,” she said stepping back to allow them in. “Come in. Take off your coats.”

  Abby raced to the door followed by Mycos. She squealed as he made a grab for her. She slid in stocking feet to bump into Lydia. “Can’t touch me,” she said sticking out her tongue. She hid behind Lydia.

  “Abby,” she said. “We have guests.”

  “But he’ll get me,” Abby said. “You have to protect me.”

  “What exactly am I protecting you from,” Lydia asked. The soldiers stood in the doorway watching them.

  “He’s a tickle monster,” Abby said. “He will tickle me and Defur.”

  “What do you think will change him back into your lovable dearhar,” Lydia asked.

  Mycos reached around Lydia trying to tickle Abby. She knocked his hand away. “Don’t know,” Abby said giggling.

  “You know he’s easily distracted by kisses and hugs,” Lydia said.

  “He’ll tickle me,” Abby said.

  “Which will make you giggle,” Lydia said. “All you can do is try.”

  She peeked around Lydia’s legs but Mycos came around the other way scooping her up. “I have you,” he said. “I will tickle you for eternity.”

  Abby flung her arms around his neck and hugged him. “I like hugs better,” she said.

  “I do not know,” he said. “Hugs are all right because it puts my fingers close to you for tickling.”

  “I like hugs and kisses better,” Abby said smiling. She dropped little quick kisses all over Mycos’ face.

  “Kisses are good,” Mycos said kissing her nose. “You may have beaten back the tickle monster.”

  “Lyd, you gotta help me,” Abby said. “He’s gonna be the tickle monster again.”

  Lydia smiled at Abby, kissed her cheek and kissed Mycos. He wrapped them both in his arms. “Saved,” he said.

  “No more tickle monster,” Abby said not sure she was happy about it.

  “For now,” Mycos said. “He may come back.”

  “You’re silly,” Abby said. “Can I go sledding this afternoon?”

  “Training this afternoon,” Lydia said. “Maybe after. If you aren’t too tired.”

  Mycos noticed their guests, felt foolish but realized he didn’t care. “Colonel Brown, welcome. We were having a bit of silliness,” he said.

  “I have a tickle monster at home with my children,” Colonel Brown said. “We must keep them under control.”

  “Come in,” Lydia said as the cold settled around her. “I’m sorry to keep you in the doorway.” The rest of the squad entered the large foyer. Many of the men smiled at Abby.

  “Are they like our men,” Abby asked whispering.

  “What do you mean,” Mycos asked.

  “Our men are safe,” Abby said. “They look kinda like our men.”

  “They’re having lunch with us,” Lydia said. “I guess you’ll have to find out. Do you want to sit by one of them?”

  “Him,” Abby pointed to a tall, broad-chested man with no hair but soft brown eyes and dark skin. “He’s got nice eyes.”

  Colonel Brown said, “Private Harrigan, will you sit with Abby for lunch?”

  “It will be my honor, sir,” Asher Harrigan said. “My first name is Asher but most call me Harry.”

  “Hi,” Abby said leaning against Mycos. “Can I show him where?”

  “Do you remember the way,” Mycos said. “I am not sure you do.”

  “Of course I do,” Abby said wiggling to get down. “Harry, come with me.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the dining room.

  “Oh,” Lydia said putting her hand over her mouth.

  “Quite the change,” Mycos murmured. “Colonel, I believe lunch is ready.”

  “I take it, the little one doesn’t like strangers,” Abraha
m Brown said.

  “He’s the first one she hasn’t hidden from,” Lydia said.

  “He’s got a way with kids, ma’am,” Private Jack Guerra said. “Jack Guerra, communications specialist.”

  “Thank you,” Lydia said, nodding to the man. “We thought with so many, we’d do smaller groups to allow people to mingle.” In the dining room a buffet table ran the length of the room. Tables scattered around the room. Mycos’ men stood with the other five girls. Sally and Gregor strolled in looking relaxed. The Hylatian men helped the younger girls get their food.

  “This is quite the spread,” Colonel Brown said. “My squad is happy to not have sandwiches.”

  “Our cook is exceptional,” Mycos said.

  “Are you concerned about my people interacting with your girls,” Colonel Brown asked seeing Lydia watching her sisters.

  “Not concerned,” Lydia said.

  “They have been through a lot,” Mycos said. “Strangers are often difficult for them.”

  “The aftereffects of trauma can pop up at the oddest times,” Colonel Brown said. “There are several excellent books on them.”

  “Gregor and Mycos have read them,” Lydia said. “I trust my instincts with them.”

  “You don’t seem the type to read such books,” Abraham said.

  “Why,” Gregor said. “We care about these sisters. We want to do what is best for them. The information is there.”

  “My apologies,’ Abraham said. “You seem more like a warrior.”

  “Who better to understand trauma,” Sally said. “The wars our warriors have fought in are one of the reasons we have the books and studies on the topic.”

  “I believe the plagues stopped the last war,” Mycos said.

  “It did,” Colonel Brown said. “When was your last war?”

  “Seven hundred twelve years ago,” Mycos said.

  “That’s a long time,” Abraham said.

  “There have been skirmishes between clans since then,” Gregor said. “But none to the point where all the clans fought.”

  “To what do you attribute the centuries’ long peace you’ve managed,” Abraham asked.

  “The high council,” Mycos said. “They have kept us from overstepping.”

  “Who makes up your high council,” Abraham said. “They must be very wise.”

  Lydia laughed, “You won’t like the answer.”

  “Why not,” Abraham said.

  “The matriarch of each family has a seat on the high council,” Lydia said. “The last war resulted in such drastic loss of life, the female mates revolted and set up the current system.”

  “They would be the ones who lost husbands, sons, brothers,” Abraham said.

  “And sisters, mothers, and daughters,” Lydia said. “During that time, all fought. In some cases entire branches of families died out.”

  “Devastating,” Abraham said.

  “It was,” Mycos said. “My mother sits on the high council while we transition.”

  “Transition,” Abraham asked.

  “Lydia will take over the position,” Mycos said. “She has learned a great deal about our society, language, and culture.”

  “You must be a quick study,” Abraham said.

  “I find it fascinating,” Lydia said. She sat up as Hannah chased Abby who ran into one of the privates in Colonel Brown’s squad. Abby took a step back, looked up at the tall woman.

  Mycos put a hand on her arm. “See if she manages,” he murmured.

  “You’re a girl,” Abby said.

  “I am,” Bitta Gartner said squatting to be at eye level with her. “I’m Bitta. You’re Abby?”

  “Hmm hmm,” Abby said. “Do you like short hair?”

  “I do,” Bitta said. “It doesn’t get in my way when I have to whoop these guys’ backsides.”

  “Can I touch it,” Abby asked.

  “Sure,” Bitta said leaning towards her.

  “It’s soft,” Abby said running her hands through Bitta’s short brown hair. “Maybe I’ll cut my hair short.”

  “You better ask your sister,” Bitta remembered in time not to say mother.

  “Lydia’s tough,” Abby whispered really loudly.

  “I’ll bet she is,” Bitta said.

  “I have to beg Mycos to kiss her if I want stuff,” Abby said. Several people surrounding them chuckled.

  Lydia shook her head. “You spoil her,” she grumbled leaning against Mycos.

  “She speaks only the truth,” Mycos said kissing her forehead.

  Abby ran over to them. “Can I cut my hair short,” she asked. “It’s soft when you do.”

  “You cannot have it braided if you cut it as short as Bitta has it,” Mycos said.

  “You will not be able to put ribbons or bows in it,” Gregor said. He realized he didn’t want her hair short because he enjoyed brushing it for her.

  “Oh,” Abby said.

  “Maybe we should think about it for a little while before we decide,” Lydia suggested.

  “Okay,” Abby said. She crawled up on Lydia’s lap. “I like Colnel’s warriors.”

  “Good,” Lydia said as Abby yawned and leaned against her.

  “Are we traaaaiiinning today,” Abby asked yawning in the middle of her questions.

  “We are,” Mycos said.

  Lydia brushed her hair back from her face, rocked, and Abby cuddled close to her.

  Abraham asked, “Does she tire easily?”

  “She went sledding for the first time this morning,” Mycos said. “I think she wore herself out.”

  “After a long negotiation,” Lydia said.

  Mycos explained how Abby didn’t want to go out.

  “When do you start training,” Abraham asked as the hour for lunch passed quickly.

  “Normally we’re training already,” Lydia said.

  “Is your squad interested in joining us,” Mycos asked.

  “Absolutely,” Colonel Brown said. “I thought this was going to be strictly social.”

  “It was,” Mycos said. “We want to strengthen our ties.”

  “Where do your people train,” Abraham asked.

  “In the basement,” Nic said. “We’re late starting.”

  “We are,” Landros said. “However, we can be flexible.”

  “You know she’s out and won’t go to training,” Nic said. “Do you want me to put her down?”

  “I will take her,” Gregor said.

  “Will someone be nearby if she wakes,” Abraham said concerned for the little girl.

  “I’m working on some documentation,” Sally said. “I’ll be near if she wakes before you’re done with training.”

  ***

  “First a demonstration,” Mycos said. “What we are showing you is the traditional weapons and fighting used to determine individual differences. This is called Punia Honorem. For centuries it settled differences within the clans. Now being skilled in it is considered a way to honor our ancestors.”

  “This is one-on-one battle,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “Yes,” Mycos said. Floren and Manere carried curved swords as they stood around the mat they practiced on.

  “Interesting weapons,” Colonel Brown said.

  “It’s the Lato Cladio,” Nic said. “It’s usually handed down from one warrior to the next.”

  Manere walked to the center of the mat they used for hand to hand combat. With one hand he held the sword to his side, with the other he motioned for Floren to join him. Floren stepped onto the mat and Manere brought up his sword. In their language he said, “In honor of our ancestors.”

  Nic interpreted for Colonel Brown and the soldiers near them. “Floren is the challenger,” she said. “If this were their traditional fight, Manere would be the wronged party. Floren would be the one defending his actions.”

  “What were the usual conflicts,” Private Bitta Gartner asked.

  “Initially, it was over mates,” Mycos said.

  “I thought you recognize
d your mate,” Bitta asked.

  “After centuries of these types of battles,” Mycos said.

  “So the men fought over the women,” Bitta said.

  “Or the women over the men,” Mycos said. “It was when the women became scarce, the fights were outlawed.”

  “Is this when you started recognizing your mates,” Bitta asked.

  “It is unclear,” Mycos said. “There are many myths surrounding this. It depends on the myths you choose to accept.”

  Manere struck the first blow. Rather than using the blade of the sword, he swung it like a bat at Floren. Floren blocked his blow with the side of the curved sword. The two men swung, clashed. The swords rang out each time metal met metal.

  “How do you recognize your mate,” Bitta asked watching the two men battle. She found herself rooting for Floren but she had no idea why.

  “There is a scent,” Mycos said. “A knowing as well.”

  “Intuition,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “Deeper than intuition,” Gregor said. “When you touch your mate, you feel like you have come home after a long journey.”

  “Do your human mates feel it too,” Colonel Brown asked.

  “We do,” Lydia said linking hands with Mycos. “It’s not instantaneous as it is with the men but I feel safe and at home with Mycos.”

  Sparks flew from the blades sliding along the edge of each other. Manere pushed hard against Floren. Floren looked in the direction of the human soldiers and pushed harder. He drove Manere back with blow after blow. Manere held his ground. Floren swept his legs.

  “On the trip here, Floren and Manere perfected their training in this type of fighting,” Gregor said. “They are evenly matched.”

  “It seems Floren is more determined today,” Lydia said looking at the Private standing near them.

  “The power and control it must take,” Bitta said. “Fascinating.”

  Manere went down hard and rolled. Floren stalked nearer, not giving any leeway. Manere kicked him in the gut, pushing him back so he could get to his feet.

  “It’s like MMA fighting,” Private Harrigan said.

  “We have seen this,” Gregor said. “It is similar.”

  “It’s an all-body fight,” Bitta said. “Are we allowed to learn this type of fighting?”

  “We have practice swords,” Gregor said.