Love's Beguiling Healer

by Angela Verdenius

  "The problem is that the runts being born are becoming more frequent. For every three Felys kits born strong, there's now one runt born."

  "The rate is climbing?"

  "Yes.” Denyon sighed, his face showing weariness. “I don't know why. None of us do."

  "What do your healers have to say about it?"

  "The Felys healers have no answers. We need sophisticated research equipment. That's where you come in."

  "Your healers aren't qualified to do research?"

  Even though the question was said without rancor, the surprise on his face struck at Illam's pride. “Our healers are trying to catch up with technology after the slave years.” He couldn't keep the hardness from his voice. “Up until now, apart from our dealings with the Lypeople, who are as much in the dark as we are about the cause of our runts, and their few runts as well, we were on our own."

  "But now you have us.” The healer met his gaze steadily.

  "Apparently.” It galled him that they had to ask for help.

  "So you want us to come and study your people?” Sarcan queried.

  Denyon nodded. “Please. I have discussed this with my clan, and they know we need help. We need to know why so many runts are being born."

  "You could send some of them here—"

  "No. They will not leave their home planet.” Denyon folded his arms across his chest. “The females in particular are territorial when it comes to their kits. They agreed to your coming, but not to their going."

  "Ah.” Sarcan stroked his beard, and looked at Kiile. “We are required to go to Scytha, then?"

  "If you choose to,” Kiile replied.

  "It will be a simple matter of gathering tissue, blood and food samples, and observing lifestyle, recording growth ... nothing that will take much time.” Sarcan nodded. “I am needed here currently, as I expect to have a couple of difficult births soon, but I can send one of my daughters."

  Daughter? Illam's ears pricked up. By Delcat, please, not—

  "I'll get Tera to gather what she needs, and send her with you.” Sarcan nodded decisively. “She is more than capable of gathering the information and samples I need."

  Dear God. Illam looked at Denyon, but his friend, curse him, was nodding in agreement.

  "We'll see that your daughter is well cared for,” Denyon assured Sarcan.

  Sarcan's eyes narrowed slightly. “Be sure that you do. My daughters are very precious to me, Denyon."

  "Her safety will be our top priority. Whatever she wants or needs, we will see that she gets it."

  That particular daughter needs a muzzle. Illam caught Wylin's wink, and saw the laughter lurking in Eulie's eyes. The Argon bodyguards, Jocat curse them both, were laughing at his expense. It didn't matter. He wouldn't have to have anything to do with the maddening Argon healer anyway.

  "Just to set your mind at rest,” Denyon continued talking to Sarcan. “I and Illam will personally be in charge of Tera and whoever has to accompany her."

  "You will?” Sarcan looked pleased.

  "We're her escort while she is on Scytha.” Denyon shrugged, but there was a wicked glint in his eyes as he glanced at Illam. “As we have been in contact with the Argons, and know some of your ways, our leader has placed the Argon healers in our care."

  Great. Just great. Life was going to become even more difficult.

  "I'm happy to know that.” Sarcan stood up. “I know my daughter will be in good hands."

  "There's one other thing.” Denyon looked gravely at him. “There is another race of people who live on the planet. They live on their section, and neither of our races encroaches upon the other."

  "We know of them.” Kiile nodded. “I had a thorough study of the planet and the inhabitants done when Lysie arrived. It's always good to know where a person comes from."

  "And what you can expect in the form of enemies?” Denyon guessed cannily.

  "Always know what to expect,” Kiile said.

  "I respect that, Kiile. I really do.” Denyon's gaze was steady. “You would know then, that there is a Combined Court made up of two leaders from the three species. If a big problem occurs that involves two of the species, then the Court is held to sort out the problem."

  "Of which hasn't happened for a long time."

  "True. Mainly because we all keep tabs on our boundaries and stay within them, and we know where each species has their settlements, their digs—"

  "Digs?"

  "The Canys, the third species on the planet. They're renowned for their archeology digs. Sometimes they're hired by other planets to search for lost artifacts."

  That's because they're very good at digging up the dirt. Illam didn't voice his thoughts out loud.

  "I'm aware the Canys are known for archeology, the Lypeople for their military force, and the Felys for their skills in making exquisite and rare materials and other luxury items, and for growing plants of unusual type to make these materials. They also work for the Lypeople military.” Kiile nodded admiringly. “As a planet of combined species, and sometimes a very volatile lot, you all manage to survive side-by-side very well. And from all accounts, if it wasn't for the runt problem it would be a thriving planet."

  "The Canys have a few runts born, as do the Lypeople, but they only make the occasional appearance. It is our runt rate that has exceeded what would be a normal number expected per generation.” Denyon sighed, then returned to the previous subject. “The money from our materials and other items gives us a good living. Others, like Illam and I and my crew, work for the Lypeople military, which also enables us to watch over our settlement.” Denyon paused. “So far, we trade through the Lypeople, but one day we hope to commence trading ourselves. One day..."

  "One day, when you trust someone enough?” Kiile guessed.

  "We're a small clan, as you know. Some people think it amusing to take advantage of us. We don't always have the resources on hand to push our point.” Denyon's pupils slitted, the black threads writhing angrily against his irises. “The slave years have made us cautious about coming too far into the public eye."

  "Yet it's something that will gradually happen.” Kiile looked steadily at him. “You have our full support, for now our species are linked through Lysie and Marten, and even stronger through their unborn babes."

  "I thank you for that,” Denyon said with quietly dignity.

  "And as for finding traders who will deal honestly and fairly with you, well, once the research has been done on your people, I believe we can help you with a certain lot of traders."

  "Thank you."

  "So,” Kiile looked at Sarcan. “Do you have an idea what will be needed for this research?"

  The conversation turned to the upcoming expedition, but every now and again, the image of a fiery brunette kept intruding on Illam's thoughts.

  * * * *

  The Cave

  "Things must happen. We can't go on like this. The tide will turn."

  "I'm scared. Is this the right thing to do?"

  "It's the only thing to do."

  And the screeching cry echoed through the forest.

  Two

  "So, how do you feel about going to Scytha to study the Felys?” Hanna placed a box of slides into the container on the bench.

  "Looking forward to it, actually.” Tera glanced up from the list that Sarcan had given her, and cast her gaze over the boxed items on the bench. “Is that everything?"

  "Everything Father has on that list.” Hanna looked slyly at Tera. “Loverboy will be there."

  "Who?"

  "The chocolate point male."

  Tera's eyes narrowed. “He is not loverboy."

  "He looks at you like he wants to eat you up."

  "And spit me out."

  Hanna smirked.

  "I could very well end up braining that lunkhead.” Putting down the list, Tera picked up a tiny bottle of light crystals and placed them into the container. “Let's change the subject."

  "But it's soooo much fun!"
/>
  "And you'll be soooo sorry if you continue it.” Tera scowled at her.

  "I told Simon that you're going to Scytha."

  "So?"

  "I told him you were going with loverboy."

  "Hanna, how old are you?"

  "Never too old to tease you, sister dear."

  Tera sent her a rude gesture.

  "Aren't you too old for that?” Hanna queried, laughter lurking in her eyes.

  "I'm not too old to take you on, sister dear."

  "Aw, come on, you'll miss me.” Hanna blew her a kiss.

  "Like a hole in the head."

  They continued packing in companionable silence, and then Hanna stopped and pursed her lips.

  "What?” Tera looked at her in resignation.

  "Do you think you should take birth control potion with you? In case you and loverboy ... you know?"

  Tera's eyes narrowed.

  Hanna beamed. “Have mad lykitty sex?"

  "God above! As if I'd lie down with him!"

  "Who said you'd be lying down? Don’ they generally kneel and do it—"

  "You sound so fascinated, maybe you have secret dreams of shagging a Felys male?"

  Hanna's smile widened. “No, no. I'll leave that for you, Tera.” She leaned forward and added in a whisper, “But you'll give me all the details afterwards, won't you? All in the name of research."

  "I'll give you research—” Tera began, only to stop as a loud throat clearing sounded in the doorway.

  They both looked around to see two hulking, grinning, Daamen traders standing in the doorway.

  "Simon!” Hanna smiled widely. “You and Aamun have come to rescue me!"

  "Far from it, lass.” Aamun, the older Daamen, laughed. “From what we could hear, you're baiting your poor sister unmercifully."

  "Ah, so you've come to rescue me.” Tera grinned. “Do me a favor, then. Take Hanna on a trip with you and lose her somewhere."

  "No can do, sweet lass.” Simon shook his head mournfully. “We'd never survive a trip with Hanna and her chatter."

  Hanna sidled over to him flirtatiously. “But I bet you could survive a night with me, big boy."

  "I'm not even sure about that.” Simon chucked her beneath the chin. “But Shamon is aboard ship somewhere. Why not go and seek him out? He was muttering something about a pretty wench and lots of energy."

  "Really?” A speculative light entered Hanna's eyes, and she glanced at Tera. “Sweet, darling sister. The one I uphold in most respect and—"

  Tera rolled her eyes. “Just go."

  Hanna was out of the room within seconds.

  Laughing, Simon and Aamun entered and watched Tera as she continued packing.

  "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Tera queried.

  "Just strolling around,” Simon replied. “Apart from myself, Jarek, Aamun and Jase, my crew seems to have disappeared."

  "Along with some of my female friends.” Dragging the small ladder across to the cupboards that contained sterile jars, Tera climbed up on the stool and searched amongst the top shelf.

  "What do you need, lass?” Aamun came to stand beside the ladder, his head coming level with her shoulders. “You know, I could have just reached up and gotten whatever ‘tis you need. You shouldn't be jumping on stools."

  "I know what I'm after.” Reaching up, she sorted through the jars. “So, how is everyone back on Daamen and Comll?"

  "All quiet so far.” Simon chuckled. “Or as much as can be quiet, giving the mix of wenches we now have living on Daamen."

  "Ah, yes. I doubt the Reekas would be quiet, with the mix of an ex-bounty-hunter turned Security, and ex-pirate and an ex-soldier all living there as well.” Tera chewed her bottom lip as she contemplated how many jars she should pack.

  "In fact,” Simon drawled, “We have a couple of the warriors aboard ship now."

  This made Tera whip her head around to stare at him. “True?"

  "Aye. Jonette and Senna hitched a ride back with us."

  Amusement filled Tera. “Are they coming to the dinner tonight?"

  "They say nay."

  "Long memories, hmmm?"

  "Mayhaps. I think they don't feel too comfortable here."

  "Ah, well.” Tera filled her hands with jars, and then looked down at Aamun. “Could you take these?"

  He took the jars and placed them next to the container. “Anything else, lass?"

  "That's about it.” Tera started to climb down, holding her gown up with one hand as she did so.

  Simon grabbed her around the waist and lifted her down.

  "Why, thank you, kind sir.” She fluttered her lashes up at him.

  "My pleasure.” Catching her hand, Simon bowed low and raised it to his lips. “The least I can do for such a saucy wench."

  Laughing, Tera slid her hand down his rugged cheek. A movement caught her eye, and she glanced up at the doorway to find Illam looking in with a frown of disapproval on his face. The laughter immediately died from her lips as he turned and stalked off.

  "Mmm.” Aamun looked thoughtfully from the now empty doorway to Tera's face. “Mayhaps ‘tis a bit of jealousy there?"

  "Pfft!” She swung around and started packing items in the container with more force than necessary. “That Felys is an imbecile of the first order!"

  "Truly?” Obviously enjoying himself immensely, Simon winked at Aamun. “That's a little harsh."

  "You have no idea how harsh I can be,” Tera retorted.

  "Do tell."

  "No tell. Go and find someone else to torment.” She pushed past him for more items.

  "Now don't be like that, lass. I'm sure we can give you advice on your love life. We have enough experience—"

  "I have no love life."

  "Dear me. Aamun, did you hear that?” Simon's grin was wicked. “The lass has no love life."

  "'Tis a sad thing to hear.” Aamun sighed and shook his head sadly. “Now, my Mina is the love of my life. I couldn't be without her."

  "Mayhaps we need to see if one of these fine Felys men could turn our little Tera on and—"

  "That's it!” Tera made flapping motions with her hands. “Out, the pair of you! Now!"

  "You wound me.” Dramatically, Simon laid his hand over his heart. “As your true friends, ‘tis our duty to—"

  "Out! Out! Out!” She gave him a shove on his massive pectoral muscle. “I'm busy and don't need to listen to your drivel."

  "'Twould seem the lass doesn't want our advice,” Aamun said.

  "Then I think we should go and check out this Illam bloke and—"

  Tera gaped in horror. “Don't you dare!"

  "She dared us.” Simon looked at Aamun. “Didn't she dare us? I reckon she dared us."

  "I heard her dare us,” Aamun confirmed.

  "Let's go then."

  "Damn it!” Tera yelled at their departing backs. “You even say anything suggestive to that fur-ball, and I'll have your guts for garters!"

  "Always a wench who talks sweet.” Simon blew her a kiss as they left the room. “Relax, my pretty, and we'll take care of everything."

  Crap. Heaving a sigh, Tera returned to her packing. The Daamens would do whatever they chose to do.

  Sarcan entered the room awhile later. “Finished packing everything?"

  "All done, Father.” Tera dried her hands on a towel. “Everything labeled and packed and ready to go."

  "Excellent.” Stopping before her, he studied her keenly. “You are certain you are all right to go to Scytha?"

  "Of course. It's a simple job, as you said. What could possibly happen?"

  "Mmm.” Sarcan stepped back. “You just have time to get ready for tonight. Because of our guests, there's going to be dancing as well."

  "A get-to-know the rellies, huh?"

  "Tera,” Sarcan chided, “Your sharp tongue will get you into trouble one day."

  "But not with you, hmmm?” Leaning into him, Tera smiled sweetly up at him. “Daddy dearest?"

 
Sarcan gave her an affectionate hug, then tousled her hair. “Go and get ready, you willful child."

  * * * *

  Entering the ballroom that night, Tera smiled as the music swirled through her senses. She loved to dance, loved the glitter of the chandeliers that hung with ponderous beauty high up from the ceiling, and loved the friendship that filled the room.

  Her sister came up beside her and looked around as well. “How lovely. It's been awhile since we last had a gathering like this."

  "In honor of our guests.” Sarcan, their father, came up on the other side of Tera. “I heard you had to attend Illam's injury today."

  "I did."

  "Without pain killer.” Reproof was in his calm tone.

  "It was his choice, Father."

  "Mmmm.” He looked thoughtfully down at her, one hand stroking his long beard. “What is it about him that you don't like?"

  "He rubs me up the wrong way.” A faint flush tinged her cheeks and she avoided her father's searching gaze.

  "A lot of people rub you up the wrong way, Tera. This is the first time I've seen you be so blatantly rude to anyone."

  "He's not exactly a prize when it comes to politeness,” she returned, annoyed.

  "It would seem you rub him up the wrong way as well. Interesting.” He held out his arms to both his daughters. “Come. We're to sit at the main table tonight, and I don't want to keep Kiile waiting."

  Her good mood having almost vanished because of Sarcan's censuring, Tera tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and allowed him to tow her through the crowd.

  Sitting at the main table was something she'd done many times. Sarcan was head healer of Kiile's country, and as his apprentices, she and Hanna enjoyed some of the privileges given to a respected healer. But seeing who was sitting at the main table made her wish she was now sitting at another table altogether.

  Illam was talking to a pretty Argon woman, who was nodding seriously. Suddenly they both burst out laughing, and she was struck by how different Illam seemed. His face lightened, and he suddenly appeared much younger than she had first supposed. How old was he, anyway? Late twenties, maybe? Early thirties?

  Kiile sat with his incorrigible pretty little wife, Katina, beside him. Next to Katina sat Lysie, the small Felys wench that Marten had wed. Both women shared the same outrageous sense of humor, and were the best of friends. Both were also pregnant, something that drew them closer together. Though only three months pregnant, Lysie was showing already. So she should be. She was carrying five Felys kits.