“I do not understand, perhaps you could explain to me how it could fly in a zoo?” Neavillii also leaned forward.
“Oh, a joke, I would think. The Perrisanns is caged, as are all the fliers. But if you would tour the zoo, a lady as wise and generous as you would be forced to see the desperate plight of the animals.” This time it was the third in the group who spoke, an average Sansheren with no banners of House or rank to give her right to the condescending tone she used.
“Indeed, then I think I shall not visit your zoo. I hate being forced into anything.” Neavillii leaned away from the stunned foursome.
“But. At least tell me why,” the fourth petitioner, also a native of Bystocc, said over the protests of his companions.
“I have heard that there was once a small flier on the Western Continent, whose song was a joy to hear. And that before the war, holidays were held in its honor.” Neavillii looked at each of the four petitioners.
Only the fourth would meet her eye. “You have humbled me, kind Lady. I withdraw my name from this petition and will instead submit another in favor of the native animals and their habitats.”
“Arrange for the Perrisanns to be gifted to another House’s zoo and let me know when this new petition is ready to be considered,” Neavillii smiled at the native as she waved her toward Thanera; the other three picked up their papers and left.
“Please step forward.” Neavillii sighed as she addressed an elderly Bystocc wearing an elaborate bronze costume.
Chapter Nine - Sheresuan - 2012
“And may we be so forward as to ask toward the health of your newly found maternal family?” Neadesto asked Morgan who knelt with her own retainers on a mat in front of the ancient Sansheren leader.
Morgan considered the question. “I am sorry that my explanation was so inadequate. Sam is of the family I adopted on my first planet. He is not of my genetic heritage,” Morgan replied to Neadesto who reclined amid the casual splendor of the room.
“Indeed. That would explain the visual differences, would it not, lovely Neadesto?” Iedonea said from her seat beside Neadesto.
Twice the age of any Sansheren in the room, Neadesto was the oldest Sansheren currently alive. At four hundred and seventy three years since birth, Neadesto had used her longevity to build the largest power base found within the Sansheren Houses.
“Yes it would,” Neadesto agreed with Iedonea, the only child she loved enough to marry. “Tell me, how many defections did you receive? And what is your intention toward the planet Bystocc?” Neadesto’s voice was soft, yet her tone was sharp.
“Two hundred and seventy-eight individuals requested asylum and another thirty-four asked kinship benefits. I humbly agreed to ferry their requests to your most loving and generous self,” Morgan said with her head bowed in respect and told herself there was no reason for the edge of panic that made her heart jump.
“I asked how many you received,” Neadesto said sharply. “Your honor to me is touching, but it does get in the way. Dispense with the court accent and sit by me,” and Morgan watched as Neadesto shifted to make room between herself and Iedonea on the sprawling couch. Over three hundred retainers and court aides packed the room, and Morgan was aware of the public honor being offered.
“I will always honor you, my father,” Morgan said as she stood. “As to defections, eight hundred and ninety-three professionals of various rank and title now claim to swear allegiance to my name. It feels strange, and I am certain that once reliable transportation routes are established most will return to their original House,” Morgan finished and sat on the edge of the couch. She knew her heart was pounding loud enough for her own retainers sitting in the first row at Neadesto’s feet to hear it and she worked at calming herself with a few focused breaths. The memory of sitting beside her grandmother before a smiling brass Buddha in a cool temple gave her focus and relief.
“But my most extremely humble wife, it is you whom they follow, not the convenience of your banner,” Neavillii said from her assigned seat at the front of Morgan’s retainers.
“It is true, child,” Neadesto said. “I have heard of no one who stayed on Bystocc requesting a House audience. Of the thirty-four whose requests you brought me, all but nine asked me to release them from family obligations so that they might proudly wear your own banner. Even my own beautiful daughter Iedonea’s descendant is proud to sit beside your wife, we see,” Neadesto added with a new smile.
Morgan’s heart started pounding anew, and she closed her eyes, if only for a moment. “I am truly upset if I have acted in any way improperly toward you, my most loved and respected aunt,” she said as the room’s attention shifted from her to her retainers.
“You are as a daughter to me, you know this,” Iedonea said. “It is with pleasure that I see my blood sit with you. And it is with joy that I find this line of my honor still preserved. Come child, I would see you better,” and Iedonea made eye contact with the frightened Nealoie.
“Surely you are joking at my willing expense,” Nealoie said, and her voice could barely be heard as she moved forward and knelt before the couch. “I cannot be of so noble a blood as you, my Lady.”
“Indeed,” Iedonea said. “It is like looking in the mirror and seeing how I feel. I have never liked this old face that stares at me. Perhaps your most kind and wonderful new father would allow you to spend a few days with us. Would you like that?” Iedonea asked, and Nealoie bowed her head. Soft sobs could be heard by all.
“Now we have upset you. We are sorry, child. Perhaps you would do us the pleasure at some future time when the shock of the war is behind you?” Neadesto said with genuine concern.
“I would do you the honor now. If my most wonderful and new father would permit me the days?” Nealoie asked while looking at Morgan.
“Of course I would allow you the time to rediscover your heritage,” Morgan said, and a sudden calm enveloped her. “In fact, I would ask that you become my ambassador to the House Sheresuan since everyone present thinks I will be dealing with the planet Bystocc for some time to come.” Morgan resisted a smile as she announced the forming of her own small House. Those in her party laughed and clapped.
Iedonea was forced to hold up her hands for silence so that Neadesto could speak.
“It has been barely a blink since I found you dying,” Neadesto said. “You not only lived, but have blossomed beyond my wildest dreams. Even your most ardent detractors have been forced to reassess their opinions of you. I am informed that many Houses have retainers who have expressed an interest in rebuilding Bystocc. When you return to your new home, you will discover that the thousand loyalists you left have grown to over ten thousand. Be assured that they will bring their own supplies.”
“I have also been in contact with the Royal House of the planet Dreco. She sends her thanks to your honored family for recording the death moments of her people, as well as gifts of gold and jewels. She is a very powerful leader, and you would be wise to encourage further contact with her.”
Neadesto reached to pull out a banner of ranked order from behind Iedonea. “I had this banner stitched when you left on this assignment. Never did my faith in your honor and integrity waiver. I am pleased to request that you be entered into the annals of the House Sheresuan as the first to reach the rank of Tenth in the order of the Sansadee before the age of fifty. Or forty. Or perhaps even thirty. We are proud of you,” Neadesto said and handed Morgan the banner without any more ceremony. “Have you decided on the name of your new House?”
“The name I would choose would be asking bad luck upon us both,” Morgan said. “But I do not know of another that I would feel so close to.”
“I am honored again,” Neadesto said with a soft chuckle. “It is a pity I am not dead yet, for I would enjoy the thought of the House with my unworthy name.”
The room was quiet as everyone set themselves to the question of a name.
“Please excuse my presumptuousness, most charming and lovely fathers. I hav
e thought of a name that might be found acceptable for this new House that rises from the ashes of Tadesde’s greed,” Neavillii said with a smile, and Morgan tensed in anticipation of an insult to Tadesde.
“Indeed. We would hear such a name that would imply so much at Tadesde’s expense,” Iedonea said and smiled.
“I would humbly submit the name, House Timone.”
The room was silent before laughter erupted, and all semblance of order was lost.
“To honor the dead mercenary who so humiliated Tadesde, that is a tempting name, I admit, and it would have personal value as well,” Morgan said over the residual laughter.
“But still bad luck, I fear,” Neadesto said through her own laughter. “I have reliable sources who assure me that the good Captain Timone, and a few of his men, escaped capture and is now on the planet Wergol awaiting the pirate ships to replenish his forces.”
“Indeed?” Morgan managed to ask in a mock serious voice before the laughter erupted anew.
“For the exuberance of youth, eh, father?” Iedonea asked Neadesto as the two of them stood and walked from the room.
Morgan watched with a sad smile as Nealoie ran after her newfound family.
Chapter Ten - Earth - 1997
“He followed me home, can I keep him?” Greg asked in a crude imitation of Morgan’s accented English as he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “Most kids just bring home stray puppies; I have to have the only roommate who adopts the homeless.”
“Were you waiting up for me?” Morgan returned as she tried to help the injured and drugged Sam walk to the couch.
“No. I always stay up until three when I have to be at work by six. What gives, little sister?” Greg asked as he followed her into the living room and spread a blanket over the already unconscious Sam.
“I got jumped. He saved me. I couldn’t just leave him.” Morgan glared through the exhaustion that blurred her eyes.
“Tim’s still out looking for you. Hell, where you been hiding?” Greg asked as he moved toward the kitchen.
“I took him to Riverside County Hospital.” Morgan followed Greg. “We waited for the police. They never came,” Morgan said.
Tim stood in the kitchen doorway. She felt tears fill her eyes as the shock of the day caught up with her.
“You ever find a cop when you need one?” Tim demanded. “Shit, why didn’t you call home?” Tim’s green eyes burned out of his dark face.
“The phone was busy.” Morgan returned his glare without flinching until a yawn overwhelmed her.
“That would be Denise, I told you we need another line,” Greg said with a bitter grin.
“Shut up, Greg, don’t you need to go to work?” Tim turned his back on both and started rummaging in the fridge.
“Oh, I have plenty of time.” Greg smiled at Tim’s back before heading for the hallway.
“Who ate all the ham? Jesus, there’s nothing in here.” Tim closed the door hard before turning away empty handed.
“I could make you some soup.” Morgan stood and walked toward the stove. Kicking her stool, she climbed up and reached for a can.
“Or,” Greg paused in the doorway and frowned, “he could make his own.”
“Go to work, Greg.” Tim’s expression was far more serious than his voice.
“I won’t say a thing.” Greg’s voice sounded far more serious than his expression, and a puzzled Morgan glanced up from her cooking.
#
Morgan forced herself to eat the soup Tim insisted on sharing. It made her nervous and self-conscious to have him watch her. A faint buzz offered her an escape.
“That’s Greg’s alarm clock, I’ll get it.” Morgan moved away from the table and went to turn off the alarm.
“You finished with this?” Tim held up her almost full bowl, and Morgan paused in the doorway, but she couldn’t look back.
“Yeah,” she whispered before leaving the room.
Tim followed her into Greg’s room and sat on the bed as she picked up the alarm.
“Are you going to tell me what happened?” Tim held a serious look, until he noticed the difficulty she was having finding an off button on the alarm.
Morgan told herself he wasn’t laughing at her. “I got jumped on the way home from school.” Morgan didn’t make eye contact as she hit a random button on the alarm and set it down.
“Hey, this is me,” Tim said and cupped her small face in his hand.
Morgan felt her resolve drown in the depths of his green eyes. “They were going to touch me,” she said, and finally cried. She felt Tim hold her to his chest as she cried.
“But they didn’t. It’s going to be okay. I’m here.” Tim’s voice was barely audible as he stroked Morgan’s long hair.
“They held me down, and they kept trying to touch me. He saved me. I couldn’t just leave him.” Morgan continued crying.
“You’re okay, you’re okay,” he repeated. Tim held her close with one arm and used the other hand to continue stroking her hair and shoulders. “It’s over now. You’re safe.”
“I feel safe, now,” Morgan whispered, and dared to think what she was saying.
“I’m here,” Tim repeated while his hand moved from the top of her head down her shoulders and to her back.
“With you,” Morgan, no longer crying, leaned into Tim’s embrace and turned her head up to see his face. Morgan saw the surprise in his eyes and bit her lip as she waited for his rejection.
His free hand moved from her shoulders along her neck until it again cupped her face. “It’s time for you to get some sleep,” was not what she thought he meant to say, but, after it came out, she knew it was the best thing he could have said.
“Would you stay with me?” Morgan hoped her expression didn’t betray the emotions she did not understand.
“Damn,” Tim ran his thumb over her mouth before pulling away and standing up.
“I’m sorry,” was her comment as she held her arms around herself tightly, and hoped Tim couldn’t see her shaking. She kept her eyes closed as she waited for the tears that refused to fall.
“It’s against the law, kid. Besides, you’re only eleven years old; there’s nothing you could get from it. Please, believe me, it would hurt you. I never want to hurt you,” Tim whispered as he knelt on the floor and put his forehead on Morgan’s knees.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan whispered again, and the shaking continued as she stared down at Tim’s head.
“I won’t hurt you. When you’re older. Will you wait for me?” Tim moved forward on his knees so that their faces were level and inches apart.
“Yes,” Morgan moved toward Tim until their lips met.
Tim did not move a muscle as Morgan began exploring his mouth with her lips. She felt him shudder when her tongue began to lick his lips.
She wondered if she should stop when he finally relaxed his lips and allowed her tongue to slide inside. Morgan thought he might have been holding his breath when, with a sigh, he shifted forward, slid his hand into her hair until it pulled, and supported her neck against the pressure of his kiss. He pushed her back against the bed. His other hand supported his own weight as he kissed her, again. Her small body shivering, she reached up and under his tee shirt, sliding both of her hands around the small of his back. She tried to pull his warmth toward her like a blanket, her body arching up to meet him.
His body remained tense as his kiss stole her breath. The alarm clock rang again. And Tim was standing and moving towards the door even as Morgan identified the sound.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan whispered to the closing door, and felt the empty darkness of Greg’s room invade her.
Chapter Eleven - Sheresuan - 2012
“Would you like me to rub your shoulders?” Morgan heard Neavillii say from behind her in the dark.
“No, go back to sleep, I’m fine,” Morgan said as she sat at the edge of her bed and tried not to think about the memory.
“You dreamed of her again,” Neavillii said with
out accusation, and Morgan felt her move. “A wife could find herself jealous of a ghost.” Neavillii began to rub Morgan’s shoulders.
“I love you,” was all Morgan could bring herself to say as Neavillii's massage worked through the tension in her body.
“So, it was the ghost. I would listen if you wished.” Neavillii continued to rub.
“It was after I found Sam. He found me? It was when we came back from the hospital. I lived in a home with others who were older. I was a child, eleven. Tim lived there too, I loved him, you know this,” Morgan said with a sigh, and moved to lie upon her stomach.
“This was not your genetic family, it was the family you loved and still cry about?” and the concern in Neavillii’s soft voice disturbed Morgan.
“It has been years since last I cried,” Morgan said.
“Years since anyone caught you, my love.” Neavillii paused in her rub.
“It has been years since I dreamed of them, or him. Why now?” Morgan asked, and turned to lay on her side facing Neavillii.
“You have found one, is it wrong to want to find the rest of your first home?” Neavillii’s hand began to massage Morgan’s thigh.
“Sam’s mind is trapped in the hell of the prison camp. Isaac says he may never recover,” Morgan said. “And the others? We were separated. It is a fool’s hope to chase ghosts.” Morgan placed her hand on top of Neavillii's to stop the distraction.
“Sam was high in Timone’s organization,” Neavillii said.
And Morgan was at first thankful that Neavillii did not voice the speculation that was circulating throughout Morgan’s retainers. When the silence grew between them, Morgan sighed, and decided to give voice to the thought herself. “And Timone is human, I know the rumors, and there are six billion humans on Earth, and who knows how many more in the galaxy. The chance of him being my Tim is too small to base a hope on.” Morgan was impatient as she shifted to begin massaging Neavillii's closer leg roughly.
Obligations Page 8