The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  His eyes sparkled. “It does. Go. Get acquainted, but stay in camp.” He placed a hand on Jaradee’s shoulder. “I believe you have already chosen your compeer and she you.”

  A high whistle preceded the whistler hawk through the narrow entrance. It flew straight to Jaradee and perched on her outstretched arm. Kuparak looked from bird to girl. “Are you ready or do you need time?”

  The hawk sidestepped to her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek. Jaradee smiled. “We’re ready.”

  Kuparak spoke the words. A connection so strong it threw her head back and her arms wide caught her off guard. The whistler lifted into flight. Tingling energy shot through her body. Her heartbeat quickened. Her eyesight sharpened. The next instant, the body of a whistle hawk encased her. Soaring upward until she could go no further, she began a slow, descending spiral, joining her compeer in a duet of interwoven patterns. Her raptor sight searched the dimly lit camp, picked out each member of the Vasrosi, each tent, each twig, piece of moss and speck of dirt. A slight tug in her mind brought her back to the ground in human form. Her delighted laugh soared after the beautiful hawk. Her compeer circled once more, dropped to her shoulder, and nibbled her ear.

  Kuparak’s gorgeous smile warmed her like the sun after a long day of rain. “You are well matched. What will you christen her?”

  “She is Kariahe, Heaven’s Star. I will call her Karia. Thank you for connecting us.”

  He shook his head. “I did nothing. You connected the first time you were together, but Rethet Ceerus strengthens the tethering. Now, I must help your brother. Then you and I must talk.”

  Daar strode through camp, Rangi on his shoulder. His expression told Jaradee how much he loved the hawk. “I have not seen him happy for a long time. Not since Pa was killed.”

  Kuparak acknowledged her statement and her brother’s arrival with a nod. “Have you ever shifted shape, Daar?”

  “Never. I am so excited.” He grinned.

  “Calm your emotions. I need your complete attention. Shape shifting is dangerous business for the scattered mind.”

  Rubbing a hand over his shaved head, Daar steadied his breathing. “I’m ready.”

  “Until you feel secure, Rangi will be the judge of when to shift. He will create the tether. Feel it?”

  Blood rushed to Daar’s cheeks. “He is in my mind.”

  “Good. He will show you how it feels to be a hawk.”

  Daar closed his eyes. Jaradee sensed Rangi taking him step by step through the process and admired the bird’s patience. When Daar opened his eyes, reverence and uncertainty flashed in turn as he looked from Rangi to Kuparak. “I felt his heartbeat, the air moving in and out of his lungs, and the quickness of his thoughts. Are you sure I can do this?”

  “I am certain.” Kuparak paused, his demeanor confident. “What counts, however, is whether you are sure. If you are not, do not attempt a change.”

  Daar pressed a hand to his chest and stood motionless for some time. A long sigh left him relaxed and smiling. “I am sure. And I am ready.”

  The next instant, Rangi lifted into flight. Daar shifted and flew after his compeer. One circle, two, the third brought him to the ground facing Kuparak, elation brightening his smile and his arm raised to receive Rangi.

  As hawk talons closed around it, Jaradee observed the tether release and Daar return to himself. Stunned silence held him motionless, and then his excitement overflowed. “I shifted! I flew!” He threw an arm around Kuparak, jumped back, and grinned. “I did it. No…” He stroked Rangi’s chest. “We did it.”

  Kuparak smiled. “Well done, Daar. You already understand the power of partnership.”

  Jaradee glanced up at Kuparak, wondering if he realized the gift he had given her brother.

  7

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 1 - Birth

  J aradee leaned against the trunk of a huge pine and squinted in the forest dimness. The tethering of tukoolos to their compeers had taken the better part of the morning. Preparing a meal and eating had used another chunk of the turning. Too late to do much else, Kuparak had sent Tealin, Daar, and their tukoolos on a reconnaissance flight.

  Glad to be outside after two turnings in the cupress hollow, she inhaled forest smells and savored the fresh air in her lungs. The Vasrosi camp provided safety and cover, but the perpetual darkness left her struggling to keep her emotions in check.

  On the far side of the clearing, Kuparak emerged from the trees, his beautiful tukoolo on his shoulder. The handsome pair, black man and black raptor, emitted a combined power that snatched Jaradee’s breath away. White teeth flashed as Kuparak scratched Toa’s broad breast and murmured, “Go.” A soft screech accompanied the galee’s launch into flight.

  The Vasrosi leader strode to her side. “We must talk.” He led her through the trees to another clearing where six large, dark green stones formed a circle beneath the towering pines. “This is an Elysian Round, a rare occurrence on El SyrTundi. We have them at home in Thornland in the SianEly Forest and along the Charnland border. The round is sacred and promotes balance, peace, and wisdom. Let us sit and talk.”

  Jaradee hesitated. Each stone, she realized, had its own essence. Walking the circle, she examined them one by one until a spark of recognition stopped her. She ran a hand over the surface, felt a tingling up her arm, and sat down.

  Kuparak picked his seat and faced her. “You never cease to surprise me, Jaradee. Mylos told me you and Katareen had much to offer, but…” He smiled. “Do you realize the strength of your gifts?”

  A stab of sorrow brought tears to her eyes. She touched a leather thong around her neck and withdrew a fiery gemstone. “From a young age, I have been training as a shameena. My grandmameen taught me much before the soldiers took her away. She gave me this as a reminder to use my knowledge with discernment.” Savoring the smoothness of the aqua-colored stone, she admired its inner fire. “What did you want to talk about?”

  Kuparak rested his forearms on his knees. “What do you know of Protariflee?”

  Jaradee searched her memory. “Uncle Kamer mentioned it once. He told me the RomPeer ordered the development of Protariflee to keep the wealthy families of El SyrTundi from constant war against one another. He didn’t explain what it is…just that it’s done.”

  “When he was a young man, Lusktar Rados’ father ordered the research and ultimate use of Protariflee for two reasons: to ensure that family lines of the wealthy continued and, as your uncle noted, to keep wealthy households from warring against one another.” Kuparak straightened. “The process is begun when the young of the wealthy reached puberty. Eggs and sperm are harvested. Carefully selected samples are frozen for a later time when Eleo Predan women will be impregnated with fertilized eggs, one male and one female, from different family lines.”

  Jaradee furrowed her brow. “Why Eleo Predan women? Why not use Pheet Adole hosts?”

  “The hope is that the Eleo Preda gene for long life will pass to the birth-mates, and thus into the genes of the Pheet Adole.”

  “What happens when the babies are born?”

  “They are placed in the care of a nurser and introduced into their families of origin. The premise for Protariflee appears to be the belief that gestating in the same womb will create a closeness between the babies that, similar to twins, will last throughout their lifetimes.”

  Jaradee tucked her grandmameen’s stone beneath her shirt. “I’m guessing they are then reintroduced when they attain marriageable age, and thus two families form an alliance. How long has this been in effect?”

  “I would think about sixty sun cycles.”

  “And what has this got to do with me?”

  “Vasrosi has infiltrated the Protariflee Center. We have four members who are now certified to do the egg extraction and implantation. We also have a small cryogenics storage unit off the premises where we can store the eggs and sperm of important Eleo Predans. One of our certified Protariflee agents spent time in El QuilTran and b
rought back samples from leaders and shameenu. We plan to gather as many as we can. If it becomes necessary, we will get them to safety off planet.”

  Jaradee raised her eyebrows and waited.

  Kuparak candid gaze remained steady. “I would like you and Katareen to give samples. Your bloodline reaches back to the beginnings of human life on El Stroma. Your genes carry the memories of other generations and other places.”

  She studied her folded hands. Woodland calm embraced her. A bird’s chirped song accompanied the ebb and flow of her thoughts. At last, she looked up.

  “Of course, we will donate samples. What of Daar? Will you have him do so as well?”

  “That’s the plan. When the boys report back from their reconnaissance, we will decide what diversion tactics will work best. They will carry out the plan and lead the soldiers away. Once they’re safe, Tealin will take Daar to the Center. It is located on the outskirts of Chunarrie.”

  “I have never been to the capitol. Uncle Kamer had promised us a trip when things settled. I’m sure he realized they never would. Tell me of El QuilTran. I have been gone almost a sun cycle. The warring was in its beginnings.”

  Sadness and anger changed light to shadow in the man’s extraordinary eyes. “Rompeerial soldiers invade and conquer one small village at a time. We do not know how long we can hold out against the technical warfare waged by the Pheet Adole. They—”

  Daar and Tealin materialized at the circle’s center, their tukoolos perched above them in the trees. Karia landed on Jaradee’s shoulder. Toa alighted on a thick tree branch above his compeer’s head.

  Tealin spoke urgently. “The soldiers are restless. They have begun a sweep of the area on the far side of the creek. We must move now, or they will find us.”

  Kuparak frowned. “Do you have a plan, Tealin?”

  The young man shook his head. “No, but Daar does.”

  “What’s your plan?” The Vasrosi’s intent gaze rested on her brother.

  In his concise and methodical fashion, Daar explained his plan. Jaradee glanced Kuparak’s direction and smiled. Like any boy of seventeen, Daar could be impetuous, but their granddee had taught him well.

  “The soldier’s camp is empty but for two who guard the perimeter. Eight others search between the elder-leaf marker tree and the stream bank. There’s a campfire at the far side of their camp.” Daar pulled a fisted hand from his pocket and held it out. Uncurling his fingers, he revealed six ammunition rounds on his palm. “Tealin and I can wait until its clear and drop these in the fire. The noise should bring the others back to camp. We met four Vasrosi from the cabin headed this way and told them to stay hidden. The explosions will be their cue to scatter through the woods and lead the soldiers back to Tahellive. We’ll catch up and create diversions when necessary to keep the soldiers moving that direction. If we haven’t lost them by the time we reach Throsswel, we’ll lose them there. When we’re safe, Rangi will let Toa know.”

  A slow smile and a nod affirmed Kuparak’s acceptance of the plan. “Who are the other Vasrosi?”

  Tealin listed four men. “We left two women in camp to help Floree.”

  Kuparak looked pleased. “Good. That accounts for everyone at the cabin when the soldiers raided. Get a move on. I’ll take care of the women and see you in Chunarrie.”

  The boys shifted and took flight. At a sign from Kuparak, Toa followed.

  Disquiet radiated from the man beside her. Calming her racing thoughts, she waited for him to make the next move. A series of muffled whistles raced through the woods. The circle of stones faded, leaving pine needles and mulch scattered over the forest floor. Kuparak grabbed her arm, pulled her into the trees and pressed her behind him. A Rompeerial soldier strode into the canopy-filtered light and spoke over his shoulder. “I’m tellin’ you I heard voices.”

  A second soldier, half-hidden behind a massive trunk, scowled. “You’ve been hearing stuff all day. We haven’t found anything on this side of the stream. Better get back to…”

  The distant sound of shots fired cut him short. Both men froze, exchanged harried glances, and sprinted back in the direction of the soldier’s camp.

  Kuparak pulled Jaradee to her feet. “Time to go.” He led the way back to the hollow pine. Giving a low whistle, he listened intently. A repeated throaty cackle answered.

  “It’s safe. Go inside and tell Katareen to get ready to leave.” He touched her shoulder. “Tell no one else where we are going. Don’t tell Kat anything except to be ready.”

  She crept around the trunk and in the narrow entrance. Muted darkness engulfed her. A hand covered her mouth. An arm circled her waist and half lifted, half carried her deeper into the hollow. Hot breath brushed her cheek. Strong fingers tightened around her neck. The last thing she remembered—agonizing pain in lungs fighting for air.

  8

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 1 - Birth

  J aradee came back to herself in slow motion. The feel of the ground registered first, followed by a dull pain in her temple. Hands tied in front of her, trussed ankles, and a mouth full of tasteless cloth ignited the kindling of despair stoking her fear. The absence of light and the fragrance of cupress wood added fuel to the fire. Where’s Kat? Floree? The others?

  Silence weighted by not knowing intensified. A torch wavered, steadied, and moved her direction. Light pooling around a uniformed soldier emphasized her danger. A boot toe nudged her. “I know there’s a camp around here. Where is it? And where are the rest of the accursed Vasrosi?”

  Feigning unconsciousness, Jaradee lay unmoving. An image in her mind gave her hope. Karia was close.

  A hand gripped the front of her shirt and yanked her to sitting. “Don’t play games, Eleo Predan filth. Where’s the real camp and how many trashers like you are there.”

  The muffled wha, wha of wings, the startled shout of the soldier, the torch flying from his grasp, and total black gave Jaradee the opportunity to wiggle away from the enemy. Hands gripped her armpits from behind and hoisted her to standing. Ropes at her hands and feet fell away. The gag loosened. She yanked it off and spit out the wad of cloth. The next instant, she stood outside in twilight shadows. The tether to her whistler hawk snapped into place. She shifted and flew to a high branch, raptor senses trained on the hollow cupress.

  The soft sounds of shuffling feet floated up to her perch. Kuparak and Mylos dragged the dead weight of the soldier between huge cupress trunks and disappeared. Katareen peered around the edge of the entrance, stepped into the open, and stared up at the branch where Jaradee perched not far from Karia.

  Swooping to the ground, Jaradee assumed her human form. Katareen threw arms around her and held on as though, if she let go, Jaradee would vanish.

  “I was so afraid for you, Jara. There was no way to warn you. If it weren’t for Tupuni, we wouldn’t have hidden in time ourselves.” She stepped away, honey-gold eyes feasting on Jaradee’s face. “You are alright, aren’t you?”

  “I’m fine, just frustrated that I let myself be caught. Where are the others?”

  Floree joined them. “They’re breaking camp. Too many close calls to stay here. We have a safe haven in the foothill near Port Saticch. It’s harder to get to but all the safer for it.”

  Kuparak stepped into the clearing, his expression grim. “It’s done. Mylos is taking care of the body. I would have preferred to leave the Pheet Adole alive, but—” A stern frown stretched his full-lips into a firm line. “Never forget the sanctity of life.” He turned his attention to the group emerging from the hollow.

  Two women Jaradee remembered from the cottage by the lake preceded Umbba who stepped into the open, inhaled deeply, and moved to one side. Though still pale, a touch of color highlighted his cheek bones, and his eyes had lost their injury induced dullness. Camilyn appeared next, supporting Watuli with an arm around his waist; she helped him to a moss-covered stump.

  “Everything is in order, Kup. Ladders are secured in their hollow branches. Tents
have been stowed. The fire pit has been lowered and covered. Nature will take its course, at least until we get back.”

  Kuparak nodded. “Good. You know the plan. Mylos will accompany you as far as the edge of the forest. From there, JoJana will lead the way to the Chaporticas Mountains near Port Saticch.” He provided a rolled map and a small El Stroman compass. “Watuli knows the safest places to camp. Since you will be on foot most of the way, I suggest you travel at night. Once Watuli and Umbba are fully healed, you can fly.”

  JoJana, a fair-skinned Thornlandian with short brown hair and irises the deep green of the stones in the Elysian Round, accepted both items and tucked them in her pack. “How long before you join us?”

  “It depends on what we discover in Chunarrie and what I hear and see along the way.” He touched a fisted hand to his heart. “Travel in safety.”

  As though a cue had been given, Mylos and his charges began their trek through the gigantic Cupress-Cone Forest.

  Katareen moved closer to Jaradee. Kuparak gave a low whistle. Toa, Karia, and Tupuni dropped from the trees and flew to their compeers.

  “We leave here with just each other and our tukoolos and fly north of Tahellive. By dawn, we should reach a safe house. It is rare for hawks to fly in large groups. Toa and I will lead the way. Tupuni and Katareen will follow, keeping east of us but within sight. Jaradee, you and Karia will be our rear guard. Stay to my left and behind Katareen. Both of you keep your tethers strong. Your tukoolos will know when to land. If you sense trouble or need help, let your tukoolo send the message.”

  The subtle snap of Karia’s tether prepared Jaradee for flight. Waiting until her leader and her sister were airborne, she shifted and soared upward.

  Above the forest canopy, cool air caressed her body and supported her wings. The scattered sparkle of other worlds and other times bedecked the night dome. Dyad’s quarter phase, straight above, cast its cold, blue light on the landscape below. Topping the eastern horizon, Alkina’s pale rose orb floated minus its usual topaz haze, a rare and stunning occurrence. Intoxicated by flight and beauty, Jaradee almost lost sight of her sister’s berigora shape. A warning whispered through her mind. Karia banked to the east. Jaradee followed. Katareen and Tupuni, graceful silhouettes against shimmering rose, dropped lower, skimmed a stand of elder-leaf trees and sallow weepers bordering a rushing stream, and vanished.