“Not that Chloe and Celeste aren’t giving Knollig fits.” Jen smiled at her friend, “I heard about the last poor boy that tried to talk to Chloe at the park.”
“What did Knollig do this time?” Amber couldn’t hide her amusement, “Oh yes I remember. The boy complimented Chloe on her swimsuit didn’t he Mairi? Something about the color matching her hair?”
“Yes.” Mairi laughed, “Knollig happened to hear and told the poor boy that his black eye was going to match his suit if he didn’t walk away. I though Chloe was going to die with embarrassment and I wouldn’t have blamed her. Knollig and I had a talk, again and he promised that he is going to stop threatening the girls’ potential suitors. Not that either of us believe that.”
“Well at least the other girls have suitors.” Amber sighed, “Poor Brennae is really quite despondent that she will never have any boys interested in her.”
“I can’t believe that!” Catherine sat straighter in her seat, “Brennae is gorgeous! I don’t believe that the boys aren’t interested in her.”
“Put yourself in her place.” Amber bemoaned, “Her father is the leader of the council. Not to mention she has three uncles by blood, another three ‘uncles’ on the council, and about two hundred ‘uncles’ watching out for her at every turn. Don’t even get me started on her brothers and cousins. I heard the boys talking to Brennae and they actually told her and I quote: ‘We know what boys this age are thinking. You are better off not dating.’ Can you believe that? ” Amber shrugged helplessly, “Because of all of them I don’t think any poor boy has even tried to ask her out on a date, much less steal a kiss at a dance or at the swimming pond. If they could slip past the watching eyes of the men, there are sacath around her constantly. It is like the animals are drawn to her. Tabec and Cabat...Jen’s sacath Opal...even Lady...every sacath within a hundred mile radius seems to find her.”
“Well Chloe and Celeste are usually with Brennae so it makes sense that Lady would be there too. If she isn’t tailing one of those two she is off to find Brennae. It is what happens when we raised them all so closely together.” Mairi smiled. “You are right though Amber. The girls have told me of times that either sacath or men are chasing boys away from Brennae. She is the first girl born, and they think they are protecting her. What has Knalech said Gwen?”
“He is a bit younger, but he is growing up in his cousins foot-steps. He thinks that all of his cousins are beautiful and that no boy on Terraneu is worthy of them.” She smiled as she thought of her son. “He is so much like his father. Always tinkering with something or in the technology dome looking over Kneus’ shoulder.”
“I am going to have a talk with Kniam.” Amber’s worried eyes seemed to glow purple, “They are hurting Brennae with their actions more than they are helping. At tonight’s dance I will insist that things change!”
“Can you believe it has been seventeen years since the first dance?” Mairi asked Amber. “Can you remember what it was like back then?”
“It hasn’t changed that much...” Amber reflected, “The community has grown there is no denying that but as much as it’s grown in size, nothing about daily life has changed.” She laughed, “Unless you count the school, the daycare and the fact that our babies are all grown up.” Her eyes suddenly got teary, “I heard the boys talking the other day about getting their own dome in Terraneu. That they were ‘grown-up’ now and ready to train full time.” Waving a hand in front of her face and taking a deep breath she composed herself. “I wouldn’t have said on Earth that sixteen was old enough but here? I think I am going to have to let them have their space. But if I let the boys go, how am I going to stop Brennae?”
“You have to let them make mistakes and live their lives.” Jen held her friends hand, “Remember when they discovered that they could ‘freeze’ minds like Kniam.” Everyone at the table laughed at the story they all knew by heart.
The boys upon going into puberty had discovered new abilities. Talking in mind to the other males of the community and as their father could do...‘freeze’ another male with their minds. Amber had walked into the living room of their dome to find the twins just sitting there, staring at each other. When she couldn’t get them to talk or move, she had frantically called for medical help. This had the whole community waiting on her doorstep to see what had happened. It had taken a stronger mind...Kniams to be specific, to ‘unfreeze’ them. It turns out they had each tried to ‘freeze’ the other at the exact same time, accidentally locking each other’s mind. Kniam had been furious and they got a talking to like no other in the history of Terraneu.
“I know you’re right.” Amber agreed unhappily, “I have to let them find their own way. They are mature enough, and we are safe for now. I want them to live their lives and have some freedom before we have to really start worrying about Knuan showing up on our doorsteps. I’ll talk to Kniam tonight.”
The talk between the females went on for hours. Soon enough it was time to get ready for the dance. The celebration dance was still held every six months and was a magical time. The whole community was decorated with banners, streamers and lights. Thousands of them were twinkling away on almost every conceivable surface.
Amber was in the bathroom decorating her hair for the dance. It was in an updo off her shoulders, held in place by a clip and the rest rained down her shoulders and back in little ringlets. Kniam surprised her when he came in with a delicate chain to wrap around her hair and into the curls.
After thanking him, and some passionate kissing she got serious so she could talk with him about their daughter. “Kniam I have to ask you to do something for me.”
“Anything for you my love.” Kniam moved her hair so he could kiss her shoulder, his fingers moving in her curls. She playfully slapped his hand away.
“I need you to pay attention Kniam. It’s important.” She pulled him into the living room so they could have a serious talk. The bedroom was way too much of a distraction, he would get ideas there. She sat on the chaise with him, her face turned up to his. “I need you to tell the other males to let Brennae have fun.” She put her fingers against his lips before he could protest. “Let boys talk to her. It’s not like there are that many her age to go around! Let her sneak kisses at the dance, let her talk and flirt and have fun. She is the same age as Knadyn and Knacayn, but she hasn’t lived half as much as those two! It needs to end. She deserves some happiness. When we tell the boys tonight that their domes are ready for them, I want Brennae given the same opportunity.” Tears danced on her lashes even as she thought of her babies leaving.
“If it is bringing you such unhappiness why are you suggesting it?” Kniam hated to see her cry, even if it was from happiness.
“Because it is the right thing to do. They are ready to be on their own.” She wiped her tears and smiled at Kniam. “Just think, we will have the dome to ourselves again.”
“Now that is something we can look forward to.” Kniam leaned in to kiss her when the door opened.
“Mother...Father...really! In the middle of the living room.” Brennae swept into the room, followed by Cebat, Tabec, Opal, Lady and Titan. When she saw the look on her fathers face she hurried them back out the door. “Oh no you don’t! Out!” The sacath didn’t look happy about it but went sulking out the door. “Mother, your hair looks beautiful! I love that chain.” She gave her father a huge smile, “You are such a romantic!” Not bothering to slow down she hurried to her room. They could hear her talking as she went, “I only have a few minutes Chloe and Celeste are waiting for me. Knacayn and Knadyn should be here any second...” Her voice trailed off as she went out of hearing range.
“Talk to them now Kniam. I want Brennae to have a good time tonight. Please.” Amber begged softly.
Kniam got a serious look on his face, his eyes unfocused for a few minutes then he said softly, “I have done as you asked, and the other males will let Brennae have her space.” He didn’t have to add, because Amber knew no amount of begging wou
ld stop it completely, that the males would still be watching for any sign of Brennae being “bothered”.
“Thank you Kniam.” Amber hugged him around the waist, “Have I told you lately that you are the best father?” When he just shrugged, she teased. “What about mate?” Looking up into his face, her purple eyes burning, “What about lover?”
“Oh that’s just gross.” Brennae laughed as she swept back through the room. “Can’t that wait until I’ve left for the dance?” She stopped at the couch to kiss both her parents, “Knadyn said you wanted to tell us something.” Her gaze swept between them.
“It can wait.” Amber squeezed Kniam on the leg in a silent promise for later, and then walked with Brennae to the door. Her daughter hadn’t gotten taller than she was, which put her a couple of inches over five foot. Her hair was the same mix of ash blond, darker blond and mocha. The thick mass of hair was in a tangle of intricate braids around the crown of her head before falling down her back in one thick braid. She had incredibly long eyelashes she inherited from her father, along with his perfect cheekbones. Smiling at the surprise in store for Brennae she said, “We will tell you three together at the dance. Have fun tonight.”
“I will mother.” The smile didn’t reach Brennae’s eyes and her voice lost some of its happiness. “The dance is always fun.”
Amber just squeezed her daughter’s hand. Brennae had always danced but only with cousins or uncles. Tonight if the men kept their word then she would have more fun than she had ever had before.
“We’ll talk later at the dance.” Amber said goodbye at the door. When Brennae was gone Kniam walked over and put his arm over her shoulder.
“We did that to her?” He asked. When Amber looked at him questioningly he said, “The look of unhappiness about the dance. The males protecting her did that?”
“Not protecting her. It never hurts to look out for someone you love.” Amber insisted, turning in his arms. “We are guilty of over-protecting her.” She leaned toward him to kiss his lips when Knacayn and Knadyn opened the door.
“Oh that’s just gross.” The both said together then laughed, “Can’t that wait until we’ve left for the dance?” Pushing and jostling each other they went to their rooms to get ready.
Amber and Kniam just sighed and moved to leave for the dance themselves.
*~*~*
The night rains had just ended leaving the air heavy and sultry. The clothes clung a little more to the women’s curves. The men’s looks became a little more meaningful. All of the council members and their mates had been standing around in a group talking. Asteen, Ailech and Thian were on the dance floor with their mates. Kniam and Amber had told the triplets their surprise and they had gone off running to talk with their friends and cousins.
Knaleg and Catherine were home for good this time and had only lasted through half the dance before running off for their dome. The council had voted that there was enough information on the wilds of Terraneu. No more exploring was necessary. Knaleg had immediately requested the sterility be reversed, Catherine’s approval was noted by the council and he had visited the medical unit. Everyone was quick to wish them success in their attempts at starting a family.
“Do you remember our first dance?” Amber asked Kniam. Their bodies were close together moving to the music.
“Yes.” Kniam replied softly. “It was a slow song like this one.” He pulled her even closer, “I like slow Earth songs.”
Amber laughed at the press of something else against her. “I can feel that you do.” After a second Amber asked, “Are you truly happy Kniam? If it were to all end tonight, would you regret anything we’ve created here?”
Kniam slowed their movements, “Can you even be asking me this?” Sighing at the questioning look in her eyes, “If you could be in my mind and know the true happiness I feel you wouldn’t have to ask.”
“Aren’t you afraid...” she stopped when he put his lips against hers.
“I have no fear of Knuan, even in his madness.” Kniam stated confidently when he broke the kiss, “I have no regrets and I know the others of the community feel the same.” He held her gaze. “We were already dead when you brought life back to us. We have homes and mates and children. Our hope and purpose is restored to us and my mad brother can’t kill that.” Kniam kissed her again. “Now about the fact that our dome is empty.”
Amber laughed at the eagerness in Kniam’s voice. She vowed to live in the moment, to forget the uncertain future and embrace the now. Grabbing his hand she turned to make a run for their dome. Before she could take a few steps he had picked her up and put her over his shoulder.
“Okay then.” Amber’s laughter danced on the night. “Mush!” She smacked his perfect butt playfully. “Mush.” Kniam retaliated by giving her rounded globes a smack of their own.
Amber smiled to herself. No matter when Knuan arrived at Terraneu, tomorrow...fifty years...a hundred. He couldn’t change the fact that they had lived. They had found happiness together. They were a community...a family and that wasn’t something he could take away from them. Knuan may be coming, but they were ready for him.
Keep Reading for an Excerpt
Marcael
(A Terraneu Book Five)
Prologue
The great city of Hedal
The King was winding his way through the streets of Hedal on his way home. It had been a futile endeavor to try to talk with the ambassador of Aekaetum without the Queen present. They were a stubborn people and would not listen to reason. The latest skirmishes on the western border needed to stop, didn’t the people of Aekaetum realize they were allies now? Though they were now bound by marriage it seemed not everyone was willing to recognize the alliance.
Coming around a corner the King and his entourage stopped when their path was blocked. He recognized the square they were in, the Palace was straight ahead and this was one of the more popular market areas. At this time of day it would be busy but not completely blocked.
“Thaylen can you see what is happening?” He asked the head of his guard.
“It appears to be street beggars fighting my King.” His guard replied.
Sighing over the negative changes in his beloved city since the alliance with Aekaetum, the King moved his mount until he was able to see the skirmish. To his amazement there was a smaller boy standing in front of five others, his arms out to his sides as if to protect them. He heard the boy’s voice call out.
“You will have to go through me to get them.” The poor thing couldn’t be more than nine or ten years. His voice hadn’t even changed yet! In answer to the boy’s threat a brute of a fellow across from him laughed.
“That will take about one second you gutter rat.” He strode forward with his weapon drawn, his gang spread out to stand next to their leader. “After I gut you like a pig, I will take your girlfriends that are hiding behind you to sell in the slave pits of Aekaetum.”
At being called ‘girlfriends’ the boys started to protest, but the little fellow stopped them with one flick of his hand. The King was impressed the boy hadn’t let the taunting sway him from his purpose. The little fellow just stood there waiting to see what move the others made. The lad didn’t have long to wait. The King watched as the leader jumped at the boy, swinging his sword and yelling. One second the man had his weapon, the next he was holding his own guts as he fell in the dirt. The King had been watching and still couldn’t believe his eyes. The boy had bent backward farther than a body should be able to bend, then spinning and hitting the other fellow had got him to drop his sword. Picking it up and killing the fellow had only taken five seconds.
Before the gang of bullies could react the King ordered his men to clear the area.
“As you will my King.” Thaylen slid to the ground, the King’s guard following him. They didn’t have to say anything, their armor and cloaks proclaiming to all who they were. The merchants and citizens of Hedal that had been standing by watching took a knee as his guard worked their way t
o the fight.
“We will gut all of you for that little pig.” The self-appointed new leader of the gang snarled at the boy.
“No. You won’t.” Thaylen drawled as he hit the fellow over the head with his sword handle. “That should shut you up.” The other gang members had turned when Thaylen made his statement and when they saw whom they were facing a few tried to run but were rounded up by his guard. “Take them to the city hold, let the Magister decide what to do with them.” Thaylen ordered his men then turned to see what his King required.
The King noted with surprise that the boy and his friends didn’t try to flee. The little fellow had moved to stand protectively in front of the others yet again. But for the whole of the fight the King realized the boy hadn’t moved from in front of them. Even when he had grabbed the sword to kill the brute bullying them he had managed to stay in front of his fellows. Sliding to the ground he made his way to stand in front of the boy. As he approached they just stood in the same spot, their faces impassive. When they didn’t take a knee or make any kind of move the King just laughed. “Do you know who I am?”
“Some kind of High Lord, judging by your fine clothes.” The boy answered back, his brown eyes flashing brightly in his gaunt face. Long black eyelashes fluttered against high cheekbones when the boy blinked away the dirt flying about the market.
Not minding the impudence in his answer the King asked instead. “What is your name?” Now that he was close the King could see that the boy was extremely dirty. His shirt was about three sizes too big, his pants a few sizes too small. Torn, dirty and frayed the King was amazed it was wearable.
“I am called Marcael.” The boy answered.
“Where are your parents?” The King asked even though he knew the answer he wanted to see what the boy would say.
Kneus: A Terraneu Novel (Book Four) Page 15