by Alyssa Ezra
No longer in the mood, she started washing herself with the vanilla smelling block of soap that had been set out by the side of the bath. Once she was sufficiently refreshed, she got out of the bath and searched for a towel. She found a clean and soft animal pelt that looked like it was meant for the same job and once she was dry, she also discovered an outfit of buckskin designed specifically for a woman.
Not really wanting to get back into her old clothes, she opted for this conveniently provided outfit. The one-piece skirt fitted perfectly and using a nearby pyramid mirror, she was pleased to see that it showed off the curves of her hips and complimented her large breasts.
The outfit came with a pair of knee high boots decorated with tassels, and once she put them on she felt a spark of confidence. She always got like this when she felt she was dressed well and coupled with the bath and breakfast, she was ready to take on Storm Kar.
The trouble was he still hadn’t showed up. Wandering out of the bathroom, she ambled around between the sleeping chamber and balcony, but could find no other doorway to take her further into the building. She was essentially trapped until somebody showed up.
Feeling despondent, she went back to the mat and lay down. She was about to close her eyes and drift off to sleep again, when she heard something flittering up above. Looking up, she spotted a tiny golden bird flying in a circle just below the ceiling.
Sitting up on the mat, Simone watched perplexed as the bird came down toward her head. When it got closer, she saw that it was kind of intricate mechanism rather than a living thing and it tweeted happily to itself before it moved into the centre of the room.
As Simone stared at it, a golden light began to emerge from its beak and as it darted around in the air, she suddenly realized it was using the light as ink and was writing a message in front of her eyes. She began reading the glowing, floating words as the bird composed them;
‘Simone, I am deeply sorry at how we left things last night.
I should have handled the situation better and truly respected your emotions, considering how frightened and confused you were. I know it is a lot to take on board but know that I am completely convinced that we are destined soul mates, and I can make you very happy if you will let me. I let my temper get the better of me last night and for that I will be forever chastising myself, but it has taken much trial and error to bring you to my world.
I do not expect mere words to make you think different but I ask that you give me a chance to prove myself worthy of your affection. To that end, I humbly ask that you remain here in the Vision Land for one earth month.
During that time, we can get to know each other and if your feelings towards me have not changed by the end of that allotted time, you have my word, I will return you to Earth and you will never see me again. I await your decision.
Yours, S. K.’
Simone finished reading the message, trying to grapple with the surreal quality of the situation. She had to admit it was rather sweet of him to write to her to apologize, but when she thought of his ruined face and burning eyes, her skin went cold. She could not imagine returning his feelings for her in the way that he wanted, but she did not think it right to reject him out of hand.
He seemed to be on the level and how many people got the chance to spend a month on an alien world? There was nothing to suggest that he wouldn’t honor his side of the agreement if she consented, so she had nothing to lose really. Besides, she did not want to rouse his temper again. If she did and he realized he was never going to get anywhere with her, things might get very bad.
She sighed heavily and looked at the mechanical bird. Once it had finished writing Storm Kar’s message, it hovered next to the mat, looking up at her with shining black eyes.
“Hey, little buddy,” she said with a wry smile. “Can you understand me? If you can, you can tell your boss, I agree. Doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice anyway.”
As soon as she had spoken, the little bird shot off out of the chamber and down the triangular corridor linking the dining chamber and the balcony. Simone watched it go and a few moments later, heard a rumbling sound. She yelled in surprise as a gaping hole opened in the swirling floors a few feet from the mat.
A staircase of white stone hugged the sides of the hole and moved in a spiral downwards. Simone got off the mat and walked over to the opening. It looked like this was the way out.
Psyching herself up, she started walking down the steps, an excited anxiety gathering inside her as she wondered what she getting into now. She soon reached the bottom of the stairs and found herself in a second room made of quartz.
The sounds of voices came from an open door at the far end of the chamber and warm sunlight streamed in to warm the flagstones. Feeling apprehensive, she headed to the doorway and peered out.
An open-air arcaded courtyard greeted her, where people who looked similar to humans and dressed in buckskin outfits went about their business. Simone supposed these were the Mystic Folk of whom Storm Kar was one of.
Looking round, she spotted Grazing Elk Woman sitting at the far end of the courtyard, talking and laughing with a small group of men and women. They were engaged in the process of weaving baskets, while other members of the Mystic Folk made clothing or jewellery.
As Simone started to walk gingerly across the courtyard, she gazed around at yet more Mystic Folk who were playing music on drums and flutes, or were sitting motionless on mats in Yogic poses with their eyes closed and appeared to be meditating.
In a partitioned part of the courtyard, a group of younger men and women were training in combat with bizarre looking weapons carved from born that flared with spectral light when they made contact with each other. They fought with a savagery and grace that sent a shudder through Simone, and she decided she would like to get on the bad side of these guys.
As she passed all this activity, most of the Mystic Folk did not acknowledge her or make any move to speak or stop her. As she reached Grazing Elk Woman and her group, the elderly woman looked up from her work and smiled sardonically.
“You look better in the daylight,” the Chieftess said bluntly.
Simone frowned, unsure how to respond. A couple of the Mystic Folk sniggered and she started to bristle. “Storm Kar sent me a little love letter,” she said in a caustic tone.
Grazing Elk Woman nodded. “That one was always better with written words than with his tongue. You consent to his terms?”
Simone shrugged. “Do I have a choice?”
“More than you will ever know,” the older woman replied and a sad expression stole across her face.
Simone shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other. “Whatever,” she said gruffly, feeling defensive. “I think I can survive a month at any rate. So, where is he then?”
Grazing Elk Woman pointed to an archway at the end of the part of the arcade closet to him. “Go through there and it will take you out to the meadow, he’s waiting there,” she said with a knowing smile. “Play nicely with him.”
This elicited ribald laughter from the nearby Mystic Folk and Simone blushed furiously. Deliberately ignoring the sly remark, Simone marched toward the archway, glad to be able to get out of the courtyard.
Going through a covered walkway, she emerged outside again, this time in a wide, lush meadow of long blue grass. Maroon colored flowers studded the alien landscape and the rich scent of jasmine filled the air. The warm sunshine draped over her neck and shoulders and she started to feel better in herself.
A rough trail wound its way through the grasses, and Simone started to walk down it. Up ahead was a cluster of what looked like weeping willows, though they were orange in color, and from their direction, she heard the sound of children laughing.
Moving towards the sound, she came to a stream of diamond bright water, where several little boys and girls were running around and playing.
Storm Kar was with them, leaping about and roaring, chasing the children and making them laugh. Simone stopped walk
ing and watched the scene, pleasantly surprised at how playful the fierce and intense Storm Kar could be. He homed in on one giggling little girl and scooped her up in his arms and swung her round, making her shriek hysterically.
Despite being mad and suspicious of him, Simone felt a grin spreading across her face. The scene of innocent joy reminded her of the summers she spent on her Aunt Marie’s farm when she was a kid. That had been one of the happiest times in her life, next to meeting Dean of course.
As Storm Kar put the girl down on the ground again, he turned his head and spotted Simone. He instantly became self-conscious. His face became closed and he tensed up. His reaction put her on edge, and the moment of joy she experienced evaporated. Subconsciously brushing down her dress, she headed over to join them.
“Good morning,” she said, giving him a stiff smile. “It is morning on this planet, isn’t it?”
“The sun has not finished its transit in the House of the Skylark, so it is technically still morning,” Storm Kar said portentously. He fell silent and looked down at his moccasins.
“Well, that’s great I guess,” she replied in a deadpan voice and went quiet too, not sure what else to say either.
As soon as she’d joined Storm Kar the children had stopped playing and gathered into a close group behind the Shaman Scientist, and peered at her shyly. Simone gave them a friendly grin and bent down to speak to them.
“Hey there,” she said brightly. “Who are you guys?”
The children giggled and huddled closer to together. Storm Kar gave them a stern look. “Go back to the citadel,” he ordered.
The children flew off like a flock of birds in the direction she had just come from. She watched them go and smiled at Storm Kar. “They’re adorable,” she said and then frowned when she suddenly thought of something. “They’re not yours, are they?”
“If you mean did I sire them, the answer is no,” Storm Kar drawled. “They are the young of my tribe. After our lessons, I permit them some free time to play.”
Simone gave him an appraising look. “You’re a teacher?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Storm Kar replied. “I instruct the young ones in the secret names of the plants and the trees and explain what properties they possess. When they reach the age of adulthood and become Braves, it will be important they know what plants and herbs could heal them and what could kill them. I also teach the art of meditation and attuning to the frequency of the Great Spirits. Those not suited to becoming warriors may have the gifts to become Shaman Scientists or Healers. It is my job to determine which role will suit each young one the best.”
Simone nodded. “I saw some younger people training back in the courtyard. Are you guys expecting trouble?”
“Where we are now, the territory of the Mystic Folk is quite safe,” Storm Kar replied.
“But great swathes of the Vision Land are not so lucky. Many crueller and aggressive tribes vie for supremacy, and we must be ever vigilant against attack from our enemies.”
“Are you worried about invasion?”
“It is possible,” Storm Kar said, “but through Grazing Elk Woman’s wise leadership, we have striven to foster good relations with the tribes closest to our territory. We have been quite successful, and there is talk of a great coalition being formed if the planets are in alignment.”
Simone thought about this. “Your people are really into your spiritual sides, aren’t you?”
Storm Kar raised an eyebrow. “You regard it as nonsense?” he asked, an edge of challenge in his deep voice.
“Not exactly,” Simone said quickly. “There are plenty on Earth who do, but I . . . I like to keep an open mind.”
“There are many frequencies of reality,” Storm Kar said with authority, “there are universes within universes and there is science that appears more like magic. Your people have so much to learn, but sacrifices come with knowledge.” He fell silent and his face became grim. He shot her a sideways look.
“I assume that your being here means you are willing to agree and spend a month here?” he asked, changing the subject.
Simone nodded. “I’m not happy about it, but it looks like I don’t have much of a choice, just don’t expect miracles.”
“I don’t,” Storm Kar replied, perking up. “All I ask for is time, to prove my sincerity. Perhaps then, you will be willing to open your heart to me and see that we are meant to be together.”
Simone didn’t respond. She knew that was never going to happen. Even if she wasn’t scared of his appearance, he was not the man for her. She had loved once with all her heart and had suffered for it. She would not make the same mistake twice and not with a brooding creature like him.
She knew she should tell him that here and now and dispel any more ambiguity, but she feared what his reaction would be. It was better that they got to know each other and when he understood there was no future for them he might send her back to Earth before the month was out. That, or lock her away or murder her. She just couldn’t be certain.
Not wanting to dwell on worse case scenarios, she turned and looked out at the stream. “It’s very beautiful here,” she said in a neutral voice. “I love all the different colors, and the air is so clean and fresh. It makes me feel refreshed and invigorated.”
“I’m glad you find our climate to your liking, I would like to show you more of my home. I have made arrangements for us to go on a short journey. There’s something I’d like you to see.”
Simone gave him a wary look. “Just the two of us?”
“You have my word, I will not touch you in any way,” Storm Kar said firmly. “My only desire is your company.”
“Okay, show me the sights then,” Simone said, deciding to take a risk. If he did try anything, there wasn’t much she could do. She just hoped his gentlemanly code of conduct wasn’t all for show, and, if truth be told, she was genuinely curious about seeing more of the Vision Land.
“Splendid,” Storm Kar said eagerly. “Come, we will leave at once.” He started marching back down the track before pausing and giving Simone a cowed look. “I mean, please, if you don’t mind.”
“Grazing Elk Woman is right,” Simone drawled as she started to follow him, “you’re better with the written word than with your mouth.”
Chapter 5: A Visit To The Phoenix People
Heading back to the large citadel where the Mystic Folk lived, Storm Kar led Simone back up the staircase and down the passage to the balcony. The covering had been retracted, and one of the strange rock creatures was now stood waiting at the balcony itself.
A large, exotic looking howdah, the size of a train compartment was strapped to the creature’s back. Storm Kar went over to the howdah and opened its gilt lined door and gestured for Simone to enter.
Simone stared at the purplish rock creature and the bizarre means of transport with mounting alarm. “We’re going in that? On the back of that. . . that, I don’t even know what that guy is.”
Storm Kar frowned and then looked at the creature. “There’s no need to be afraid, Simone,” he said brusquely. “The Podderers are quite docile. We use them to travel around the land.”
“Podderers?” Simone repeated the strange name. She looked warily at the hunched over creature. “Are you sure it’s safe to go riding about on them?”
“What you talkin’ about lass?” the Podderer suddenly spoke up in a wheezing voice.
“I ain’t lost anyone yet, ‘cept that scrawny fella who tried to get a bit randy with his girl, she knocked him straight out me cab and right down into the swamp she did. He-he, ‘e stank as bad as an eel-skunk fart for weeks!”
The Podderer began chortling and the howdah shook alarmingly. Simone cast an uncomprehending look at Storm Kar.
“Do not be concerned Jedediah, she is new to our world,” he said to the creature.
“Get aboard me saucy wench, old Jed’ll look after ye,” the Podderer called out. “By thunder, she looks a game old bird and no mistake.”
<
br /> Storm Kar looked down in embarrassment. Simone gave him a withering glance, but nevertheless climbed inside the howdah. Settling down in the comfortable interior, she waited for Storm Kar to get aboard and take his place opposite her. He banged the side of the howdah and Jedediah shifted away from the balcony with a heart-stopping lurch.
“If we survive this, I’m never going to talk to you again,” Simone hissed through gritted teeth as she scrambled to steady herself.
“You’ll soon get used to it,” Storm Kar said amiably. “Like Jedediah said, you’re a game old bird.”
If Simone wasn’t so fearful of tumbling out of the howdah, she could have reached forward and punched Storm Kar in the face. As it was, she had to content herself with some venomous glaring.
Once she got used to the jostling though, she began to relax. Looking out of the open sides of the howdah, she took in the scenery. Below them, the living trees she had seen when she first arrived in the Vision Land continued to make their beautiful wordless song and a smile spread across her face.
“You like the singing of the Woodrens?” Storm Kar asked.
“Woodrens? Is that what those tree things are called?”
Storm Kar nodded. “They are sentient techno-organic beings we grow specifically to surround our citadel and farming pods. The beautiful singing they produce has a calming effect over the environment in general and they generate a psychic field that serves as a defensive barrier against war parties from rival tribes.”
“So they are a kind of security fence,” Simone said.
“That’s right,” said Storm Kar. “Though they are immobile, they have formidable defensive capabilities. The song they produce can fog the minds of enemies. Fortunately, it has been a long time since they were needed in a martial sense.”
“Techno-organic,” Simone repeated the word Storm Kar had used, and brushed her chin thoughtfully. “Does that mean they are part machine?”