“That woke me up. How is Talarah?”
Kuparak frowned. “Floree examines her now. We will know soon whether she has lost the babies. And you, Jaradee Myrlinduh, how do you feel?”
“Other than exhausted, I’m fine.”
Floree slipped into the room and hurried to her side. “Any cramping or nausea?”
Jaradee shook her head. “Talarah? Is she alright?”
The older woman turned to Kuparak. “May I speak freely?”
“Tell us what you have learned. Did Tala lose the babies?”
Floree poured herself some water and sank onto a chair. “She lost the female. But the male fetus is strong. She needs to be where she can receive proper care, Kup. She is more fragile than she appears.”
Worry creased Kuparak’s brow. “What do you suggest?”
Floree sipped her water. “You must take both women back to El QuilTran.”
His hand clenched. “Jaradee and Tala must not remain together. If we are caught, all would be lost. They must travel separately. How much time does Tala need to recover her strength?”
The healer drained her mug. “Even if she rests for several turnings, she will not have the stamina to travel on foot, Kuparak. You must take her in a wagon, motor or horse drawn, and then by boat.”
Mylos materialized next to the table. “We’ve got trouble, Kup. Zarrin is in Chunarrie at the RomPeer’s estates.”
Kuparak launched to his feet, an expression on his face Jaradee hoped would never appear in connection to her name. “How did you find him?”
“ReRe and I were doing a quick reconnaissance flight over the city and the Protariflee Center grounds to make sure everything had returned to normal. A motor vehicle pulled up the north side of the Rompeerial estates. Zarrin, accompanied by two men, climbed out. He was escorted into a shed. My guess is that he’s about to be interrogated.”
Kuparak paced to the stove, swung around, scowled. “He knows our plans for using Protariflee.”
Mylos nodded. “He also knows what Talarah and Jaradee look like—what all of us look like. What if he shows them the secret area at the Center?”
“Zarrin does not know about it, nor about this cabin. He does know about the Cliffs of Cimondeli and might guess Katareen is hidden there. The fact is… Zarrin knows far too much.” Kuparak turned to Floree. “Mylos and I have some business in Chunarrie. Take care of Jaradee and Talarah. You’ll be safe here for a short time. If we do not return by the end of three turnings, leave. Toa will communicate through Karia and…” He paused.
Floree smiled at Mylos and then Jaradee. “My tukoolo is Puna for the freshness of Spring. I trust you to honor my sharing.” She gazed up at Kuparak. “Be careful, Kup.” She left to check on Talarah.
Kuparak moved to the door. “Stay alert, Jara.” He flashed into the shape of a galee and winged his way through the dusk-shadowed trees in the wake of his tukoolo.
Mylos followed, shape shifted, and soared upward.
Jaradee stared after them for some time before shutting the door and leaning against it. Kuparak is an Animilero. Zarrin may not live to tell too many tales.
14
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 1 - Birth
J aradee stretched out on a narrow cot. Next to her, Talarah slept the exhausted sleep of one whose physical and emotional bodies had suffered much. Although fatigue nudged Jaradee to follow her friend’s example, sleep refused to come. Squeezing her eyes shut, she concentrated on her breathing. Vague images formed and melted away. Pre-sleep heaviness weighted her body. She yawned until tears leaked down her cheeks. Sleep crept closer. A new image shoved it away and pulled her to the edge of wakefulness.
Spiraling clouds swirled in the lapis blue of the night dome, slowed, and focused. The Chunarrian central mesa, bathed in Dyad’s icy light, spread below her. Aware of her body resting on the cot and Tala’s soft, intermittent snores, her conscious mind fought to understand. The scene below zoomed out, then in. I’m tethered to Karia’s mind!
The whistler hawk swept over the RomPeer’s garden and landed on a low branch opposite the window of a flat-roofed shed. Globe lamps illuminated a dingy room, where Zarrin occupied a chair opposite a Rompeerial soldier, his expression wary.
Karia’s acute hearing picked up bits of conversation.
The soldier tapped an unfolded map. “Show us where the Vasrosi shelters are located.” The gruff voice held the hint of a threat. “And, Zarrin…” Eyes, mere slits in the man’s determined face, glared. “Don’t waste my time.”
The ex-Vasrosi bent over the map, angled it one way, then the other. A shrug lifted a shoulder. “Nothing on this one.”
The soldier whipped it aside. “Then look at another one.”
Zarrin pointed out two spots. “There’s one here in the Cupress-Cone Forest and one by Lake Tedra.” He pushed the map toward the soldier and sat back, blank-faced and tense.
A black and purple clad Klutarse walked from the shadows, leaned across the table, and calmly straightened the map. “We already found those as you are well aware. Tell this man what he wants to know, or he’ll leave you in my hands.”
“We’ve been at this for hours. I need a break.” Zarrin sounded like a peevish child. “I’ve told you everything I know.”
A fist slammed the table. “You’ve told us nothing.” The soldier slapped a piece of paper and a writing tool in front of him. “I want the name and description of every lookout bird for every Vasrosi. I even want to know your lookout.”
Zarrin scowled. “I don’t have one. Mine was destroyed.”
The Klutarse loomed over him. “But you know how to create one, correct? And you know where the birds come from, how they work, and how they are assigned. Start writing.”
Zarrin squirmed in his chair but said nothing. A knife flashed into view. The Klutarse grabbed the front of his shirt and kicked the chair from under him. “Tell me—”
An explosion ripped through the night. The shed shook on its foundation. The Klutarse staggered backward. Zarrin yanked free and stumbled to one side. The shed went black.
Jaradee gasped and jerked to sitting, blinking as though blinded from a flash of light.
Floree hurried to her side, fingers searching for a pulse. “What just happened?”
“I was tethered to Karia. She’s outside the window at the shed where Zarrin is under guard at the Rompeerial estates. A loud roar—an explosion—I think.” Panic almost choked her. “Our bond broke. Do you think Karia is hurt?”
“You’d know if she was. Give her some time. I’m betting the blast stunned her. Or she could be protecting you.”
Talarah moaned. Floree moved to her side, brushed tangled hair from her face, and checked her vitals. “Go back to sleep, dear one. Rest is the best medicine for you and your child.”
Talarah blinked and clutched her hand. “I didn’t lose them both?”
Floree kissed her forehead. “You carry the boy, your brother and Dyani’s child.”
“But I lost my daughter.” She turned her face to the wall.
Floree motioned Jaradee from the room and followed. “You need sleep, Jaradee Myrlinduh. Your babies need you rested for travel.”
Jaradee sank onto a chair. “I won’t sleep until I know what has happened to Karia.”
Floree adopted her healer’s sternest tone. “I’ll help you find your tukoolo, but only if you promise to rest afterward.”
“I promise, Floree. What do I need to do?”
“I’ll tether to Puna. She will do a search. Once I know what the situation is, I’ll tell you. Then we can then decide what course to follow.”
Jaradee fussed with a speck of dirt on her tunic. “I need to see. Can we both tether to Puna?”
Floree pulled a chair closer and sat down. “Not without her permission.” The birther closed her eyes. When she opened them, worry creased her brow. “Puna would prefer to find Karia and report back. I’ll make tea.”
Not even the homey sou
nd of a kettle coming to a boil assuaged Jaradee’s nagging dread. When Floree handed her a steaming mug of tea, Jaradee balanced it on the arm of the chair.
“Drink the tea, Jara. Puna won’t be much longer.”
“She’s in touch with you?”
Floree’s soft laugh spoke volumes. “We, like you and Karia, are rarely out of touch. In fact…” She took the mug from Jaradee. “It seems your compeer was dazed by the explosion. See whether you can tether to her now.”
Jaradee leaned back and closed her eyes. A slight tingle and a tentative tether formed, melted away, and reformed. For an agonizing moment, nothing happened. Then Karia’s touch throbbed stronger. Images flooded Jaradee’s mind.
No lights could be seen anywhere on the Rompeerial estates. The din of confused shouts and running feet floated through the night. A smoky galee landed in the tree next to Karia. Cloaked by darkness, a man materialized, skulked to the shed’s back entrance, and disappeared inside.
Karia soared upward. Images of the night dome filled Jaradee’s mind. Alkina, resplendent in rose and topaz, hovered above the horizon, its fruitful phase brightening the world in a semblance of dawn. The hawk swooped over the Protariflee Center and dropped below the tabletop to the valley. The tethered connection to Karia broke.
Jaradee’s eyes flew open. “She’s gone. What happened?”
A soft whistle shrilled at the cabin window. Floree opened it wide. Puna and Karia fluttered to their compeers.
Almost crying with relief, Jaradee stroked the feathered half of her tukoolo’s breast. “I’m so glad you’re safe, Kariahe.”
An imaged flashed and faded. Jaradee started to speak.
Floree stood. “I got the message, too. Kuparak and Mylos return soon. We are to blow out the lamps in case they are followed.”
Darkness and forest quiet descended on the cabin. An occasional flicker of light from the small fireplace splattered tiny patches of yellow-orange over the worn wooden floor. The soft creak of the porch step and a hawk’s low whistle did nothing to ease Jaradee’s anxiety. She strained to hear. Only the whisper of branches in the night breeze drifted in the open window.
When she thought she would burst from anticipation, Kuparak pushed the door ajar and stepped inside. A finger to his lips stopped questions. Silence permeated the room. Again, apprehension filled the cabin.
Jaradee dozed, jerked awake, and dozed. Someone lifted her and carried her to her cot. The world slipped away as she tumbled into dreaming.
Light woke her to a turning overflowing with questions. A glance at Talarah’s unoccupied cot added to her growing list. Throwing back her blanket, she slid her feet into shoes and shuffled into the empty living space. Easing the door open, she peered outside. The sharp sound of an axe blade splitting wood led her to the back of the cabin.
Mylos leaned the axe against a tree and mopped his brow. “Awake at last.” He smiled. “You’re looking rested.”
“Where is everyone?”
The smile lost its light. “Gone. It’s just you and me until Floree returns. She said to make you eat and rest.”
Jaradee ran fingers through tangled hair and flinched. “Where did Floree go?”
“With Kuparak, Talarah, and…” His brows bridged his nose. Nostrils flared in frustration. “Zarrin went with them.”
Jaradee gaped. “Zarrin. I thought—”
Mylos kicked a split log to one side. “So did I. Kuparak is tight-lipped most of the time, but last night he refused to discuss anything regarding Zar’s presence. This morning, he did say he planned to take Zarrin to someone who would know if he lied or told the truth.”
“I bet he’s taking him to Katareen. He didn’t tell the men anything they didn’t already know, Mylos. Perhaps Kuparak wants to give him a second chance.” She tucked a wavy tendril of hair behind her ear. “When will Floree be back?”
“Soon. She’s bringing women to guard you on your journey.”
“And Talarah?”
Mylos balanced a log on its end, picked up the axe, and swung it hard. The log split in two; the axe blade wedged in the stump. “Kup is taking Tala to El QuilTran. I will act as Vasrosi leader until he comes back. Floree will escort you home when she returns.” He stacked split logs in a neat pile. “Let’s find some breakfast.”
Jaradee rummaged around the pantry and found the makings of a small meal. Mylos slouched in a chair, nibbling a crust of dried brown bread, his demeanor downcast. A heavy sigh blew crumbs from his mustached upper lip. He sat up and glared across the table.
“I know you want to know what else happened in Chunarrie, Jara. Why don’t you just ask?”
“Because you’re acting like a caged animal. I don’t want to get my head bitten off.”
Slathering berry jam on a piece of bread, he took a bite, chewed it slowly, and swallowed. “You’ve guessed that Kuparak is a trained Animilero. He has a high regard for life but knows how to end one with astounding efficiency. The soldier and the Klutarse are dead. No struggle. No sound. He blessed them in the language of their gods, and we escaped with Zarrin.
“And you are upset because of the deaths or Zarrin?” Jaradee rubbed a spot on the table.
Mylos stroked his curly black beard. “Some of us are born leaders. Me…I perform best in a secondary role. I’m a good follower, especially when it comes to war. My experience in battle is limited.”
“You’ve captained your own boat and run your own fishing business.”
“That’s different, Jara. I grew up with a grandfather and a father who taught me how to do both. But war…” He frowned. “War is about making life and death decisions. If it were just my life…” The fine lines around his eyes deepened. “But it’s about the lives of others, people I care about, people who have families—mothers, fathers, children, friends who care.” He stood up and began to clear the table. “I just hope Kup comes back fast.”
Jaradee pushed her chair back. “I’ve avoided thinking of the conflict with the Pheet Adole as war. But it is, isn’t it?” She pressed her hands against her belly. “These babies are vital to the outcome. These babies must live.”
Mylos slipped an arm around her waist. For a time, they stood immersed in thought, their blanket of safety thinning one thread at a time.
15
Jaradee’s Legacy
Part 1 - Birth
A t sunrise on the third morning, Floree and two female Vasrosi warriors arrived at the cabin. A message delivered to Floree via her tukoolo warned them not to travel to El QuilTran. Lusktar Rados had been informed that two rebel women had been artificially impregnated at the Protariflee Center. His men guarded all ports and searched all ships, coming and going. Jaradee would be safest in El SyrTundi, at least for a time.
Over the course of the next seven cycles of El Stroma’s moons, Jaradee and the three women journeyed from one sheltered haven to the next. Sometimes they traveled on foot, sometimes on horseback. They stayed in a shelter only long enough for Jaradee to rest and then moved on.
Today would be the last travel day. The birthing drew near and Jaradee fatigued faster. She and Floree had made the decision to stop until after the babies were born.
While Floree and her two protectors packed and policed their camp, Jaradee sat on a stump, her hands resting on her large belly. She marveled that two lives existed inside her womb. Two babies, a boy and a girl—Rethdun and Rayn—named after El QuilTran’s storm deities. The quick jab of a tiny foot startled a soft laugh from her throat. Lifting a hand, she kissed the palm, pressed it to the spot, and remembered the first time she had felt the babies move. The turning they flipped heads down, she had thought fish swam in her belly. Each movement, no matter how big or how small, melted her heart.
Floree smiled at her. “Carrying a child is a miracle of surprising moments. Carrying the legacy of your people…” She grew serious. “I can’t even imagine how that must feel.”
Jaradee hugged herself. “If I think about it in those terms, I feel unworth
y and overwhelmed. I simply love them.” She patted her belly. “How much longer?”
“We’ll be at the Cliffs of Cimondeli by late afternoon. Puna and Karia have gone ahead to scout the area. The route I’ve chosen will take us a bit longer, but it’s much safer and unexpected. Don’t overtax yourself. We can rest as often as you need.”
Jaradee leveraged herself to standing and rubbed her low back. “If my belly grows much bigger, I won’t be able to get up at all.”
Her birther grinned. “You carry healthy babies, Jara. Be glad.”
“I am glad. And I will be happy to be in one place for a time.” She inhaled morning air. “You’re sure Katareen will be at Cliff Haven?”
“She’s there and can hardly wait to see you.”
Jara’s bright mood dimmed. “And Daar? Have you heard anything?”
Floree squeezed her arm. “All I know is he’s with Mylos.”
“And Kuparak?”
“Nothing, Jara. I’ll tell you if I hear. It’s time to go.”
Floree in the lead and the protectors behind, they hiked a meandering route. Karia greeted them at the cliffs with a whistle of welcome and landed on the low branch nearby.
Jaradee shielded her eyes and surveyed the weather-worn formations stacked in a random pattern from the forest floor to the upper plateau. Varying shades of burnt sienna, bronze, and brown glowed in the light. Plant life flourishing in the cracks and crevices between them added vibrant splashes of greens and yellows. “What an interesting formation. How was it formed?”
Floree smiled. “A long time ago, planetary changes pushed the cliffs up from the ocean floor. As the water receded, mud, silt and sand solidified. Water erosion formed a labyrinth of passages and caves. Ancient cliff dwellers made Cimondeli their home until a series of flash floods drove them inland. A Charnlandian shameena told us where to find it.”
The UnFolding Collection Three Page 76