Cartwright made a gesture; a large slab of rock swung outward. The opening revealed a candlelit room, which bore no resemblance to a cave.
Her steps faltered; she stared, mesmerized.
Cartwright tilted his head, apparently studying her reaction. Must the man always stand with light at his back?
Warm air fanned her neck and a Yeti snuffled. Nimri sprinted into the room and dodged behind a wide stone table so fast that the candle flickered out. Heart pounding, she listened to the darkness and tried to sense danger.
With a soft tread, Cartwright entered. There was some shuffling, then the door grated shut and all escape was blocked.
Something scraped. Nimri smelled the faint scent of rotting eggs, then light blossomed in Cartwright’s hand. He relit the candle. A black, hairy, Yeti was a pace away from her.
While Cartwright lit other candles, Nimri watched the beast raise its horrible, hairy arm.
Nimri stood still as a corpse. The Yeti snuffled and opened its jaws. A drop of saliva clung to a pointed tooth. Nimri’s mouth went dry. The beast was worse than anything she’d ever imagined.
She hoped her death would be quick and painless.
The Yeti covered its eyes and grimaced in an oddly childish way. Then the ungainly creature ambled away from her.
Whop-whop-whop. Nimri jerked her head to the right. A handsome, dark-haired man plumped large earth-tone cushions in the corner of the room. The browns, tans and gray made the room seem stark and masculine, just like the man who was ignoring her.
She glanced around looking for Cartwright, but concluded that he must have gone through one of the two dark archways.
The other Yeti huddled next to the man with the long black, feather-laced hair. Kazza would never have sought protection from Bryta. That left the possibility that Thunder Cartwright was nothing like what she’d expected.
Nimri blinked away the silly thought and swallowed as she took in her first impressions of her enemy’s home, which seemed much more durable and solid than the wooden structures she was accustomed to.
The man threw down the thick tan cushion, then turned to face her. Despite the fact that she was certain that she didn’t know him, a shiver of recognition went through her. His unlaced leather vest revealed his bare chest and an ancient amulet, with a pattern oddly similar to the one worked into the leather of her bag.
She touched her concealed amulet, then her hand lingered at her throat.
The man’s vivid green eyes took in her movement. He smiled. She dropped her hand to her side and tried not to wring her tunic as Bryta did her apron.
Why did he seem so familiar?
He appeared to be her age, perhaps a year or two older. He was certainly as physically fit as Larwin. Could a master practitioner of myst hold off aging?
No, if that could have been done, her great-grandfather would have done so. This couldn’t be Cartwright.
A bright purple feather fluttered against his glossy black hair. She glanced upward, certain he was the housekeeper. The man stared at her as if he’d never seen a woman in the room. Since his master, Cartwright, actually lived with Yetis, it was likely that no other woman had ventured here.
He smiled at her.
Her skin prickled with the feeling that she knew him from somewhere. Nimri gave her head a tiny shake and decided the sensation was because his body reminded her of Larwin. Still, there was something terribly familiar in his emerald eyes and sculpted cheekbones.
“Have we met before?” Nimri asked.
The corner of his mouth twitched as he gave a slight nod.
The Yeti cowering next to him rose and circled a small brown woven rug. With a groan, the other Yeti emerged from under the table.
Nimri gulped. The man’s smile widened. “Gunda, Carn, go back to bed.” It was the voice from the path. The ugly beasts left. Nimri breathed a sigh of relief, then the man gave her his undivided attention, as he settled onto the cushions. “Why are you here?”
“To see Cartwright.”
He grinned and made a gesture that said, “You’ve found me.”
Nimri’s mind turned to mush. She picked up a pretty blue polished pebble from a stone table and focused on it instead of his mesmerizing gaze. “You are Cartwright?” He nodded. “I expected someone older.” She rubbed the pebble between her fingertips and felt her tension begin to ease.
He grinned. “What is so urgent that you’re willing to defy tribal law?” He raised a brow. “If it’s Rolf’s death, I’ve known he was dying since he first took ill.” His casual tone could have been reserved for any topic. “Surely you didn’t come all this way to borrow my worry stone?”
She put the pretty rock back on the table and looked down at his burnished stone floor. “Do you ever have visions? See things that will be, if nothing is done to alter the outcome?” She raised her head and looked into his face. He looked comfortable, as he reclined on the cushions. Apparently Thunder Cartwright was more used to having strange women drop by in the middle of the night than Zurgon.
“What if I did?” He gave her a devastating smile.
“Then you can better understand what I’m going to share with you.”
“Did your vision concern the unjustness of Rolf’s rage?”
“Coming danger.” Nimri swallowed. “Have you ever heard of Ghilly Dragons or Golden Dragons?”
“All children have.” Cartwright patted the ginger-toned cushion next to him. She moved a step toward him before she realized her legs were moving. “Why don’t we talk about something more pertinent than ancient history? The rift between our Tribes comes to mind.” His smile was devastating to her peace of mind.
She’d imagined that Cartwright would despise her; instead he actually seemed happy to have her arrive unannounced in the middle of the night. Unbidden one of Rolf’s favorite sayings popped into her mind, ‘Keep your friends close, but your enemy closer.’ She held her position and stared at the man who was too handsome and friendly.
“I’d be interested in talking about changing several Chosen Laws,” he said.
“So would I.” The table’s edge pressed against her thigh. “But first we need to protect everyone from a worse foe. A Ghilly Dragon is breaking through the Star Bridge.”
“You came to talk to me about a child’s story?” He chuckled.
Men! “I saw it,” Nimri said. “I was there.” She took a step toward him. “It almost killed me. When I came back to my body, I saw smoke rising from the balata grove.”
Cartwright stiffened, then sat up and nodded. “I saw the smoke rising crimson in the dusk.”
Nimri didn’t know what to think. Hadn’t he understood the significance? “Will you help me save this world?”
His eyes glinted. “For a price.”
Her hands clenched at the typical Lost reaction. She swallowed past the lump of fear. “Name it.” No matter what he asked, she’d pay it, because if they didn’t succeed, there would be no future. And if they succeeded, the value of saving their world was worth anything he could ask.
Cartwright studied her, as if trying to read her mind. “You’ll find out what I want after we defeat the dragon.” He settled back and again patted the cushion.
“I’d like to know now.”
“If you look within yourself, you will know my price.”
She sank down to her knees, but stayed away from the cushions. “Cartwright, I give you my word that I will do whatever you ask, no matter what.” She licked her lips. “Please tell-“
He cut her off. “You can begin our alliance by calling me Thunder.”
“Fine, Thunder.” She took a step toward the door and freedom. “For now, I must leave, so I can get home before I’m missed.”
He moved as swift as Kazza and grabbed her upper arms. “Until this matter is settled, you stay here. If we fail, it won’t matter how sullied you get by living on the wrong side of the river. If we succeed, I’ll know you won’t go back on your word.”
Her heart
skipped a beat. What had she agreed to that he felt it necessary to hold her hostage? Wildly, she looked around the room, hoping to find an escape. Instead, she saw a crystal skull that was nearly identical to her own. Her eyes fastened on it, and her racing heart calmed. She tore her gaze from the empty eyes, to his vibrant green gaze. “I have never deceived anyone,” Nimri said. “If it’s within my power, I will do whatever you ask.”
He dropped his grip, but stayed close—too close. “Oh, I guarantee it’s within your power.”
She felt the truth of his words. Knew that without him all would be lost, that even any changes in the laws would be nothing compared to complete annihilation of their world.
“Than it’s settled, I shall stay here.” She took a backward step and held out her hand. They clasped wrists to seal the bargain. Nimri told herself it was the only thing to do, but wondered if she’d also sealed her fate. “Now, will you tell me what I’ve agreed to?”
A smile played around the corners of his lips as he shook his head.
Chapter Sixteen
Sunset’s final rays painted Nimri’s garden in golden hues, which highlighted the encroaching colors of autumn. But as Larwin emerged from the mountain path, he was more absorbed with analyzing the clearing’s humidity and running calculations on his analyzer than appreciating the beauty of the garden or its spicy aroma. He studied the small screen’s result: seventy percent moisture. He frowned as he tried to recall every scrap of information he’d ever heard about madrox’s destructive habits. At the academy, he’d been taught to avoid the fiery things. It had been simple as a pilot. It wasn’t so simple without a ship that could fold time and space.
The air’s condensation content might be enough to offer protection from the madrox.
Unless dampness enraged the beast beyond all sensibility, as GEA-4 had direly predicted. Larwin looked up, at the spreading branches of a sequoia, which hid Sacred Mountain’s summit and considered the heat-loving creature which wanted something badly enough to dig through cold stone. What if the beast was already psychotic? Would vapor of any density offer protection? Unpredictable as this madrox seemed, would sinking to the bottom of the river be enough of a buffer?
Larwin turned and studied the house, looking for Nimri, dreading to tell her what he’d found out.
“The house is deserted,” GEA-4 said.
“Good, I can put off seeing fear in Nimri’s eyes.” He preferred facing the madrox alone, to telling her. He squinted at the building, which had come to represent home, and gauged which window would afford him the best view of the mountain's summit.
The chamber he’d occupied probably had the optimum vantage point, since it was highest, but her bedroom should have the potential for an outlook and it was quicker to get to. It would be difficult to enter her private domain, see her possessions and breathe her fresh scent. Thank Kues she wasn’t home. Adrenaline and desire could make a lethal combination, especially if Nimri and her bed were accessible.
Again, Larwin squinted at the windows, debating between best long-term surveillance position and closest. Before he could act on his theory, he heard movement deep in the forest’s shadows racing toward him. Larwin grabbed his las-gun. Kazza erupted from the forest and bounded toward him, happy as if he had been gone a year. A moment before impact, Larwin dropped his weapon. Kazza skidded to a halt, stood on his hind legs, then wrapped Larwin in what could best be called a tender embrace.
Larwin laughed and returned the exuberant greeting. “Missed me, huh?” A wet, rough tongue nearly tore off his ear. “Hey, cut that out.” His big friend nuzzled his neck and purred louder than a jumbo turbo. He chuckled. “Your whiskers tickle.” Larwin gave Kazza a hard hug. “I missed you, too.” He was rewarded with a second lick. Gentler, this time. “Buddy, I think your tongue is made of sandpaper.” He clasped the cat tight. “Don’t skin me.”
Kazza eased back on his haunches, but kept his paws on Larwin’s shoulders. He stared into Larwin’s eyes. Unable to blink, Larwin returned the intent look until nothing but the cat’s glowing amber gaze existed. Then, fearful thoughts centering on misty images of madrox poured into his mind. Larwin staggered a step backward. The deluge quit. “Why do I suddenly think you’re telepathic?”
Kazza leaned forward and nuzzled his ear.
He swallowed. The possibility that animals could possess psychic powers was more than he could deal with at that point. “Are you hungry?” Larwin asked, willing to deal with a basic like food. “Do you want me to see if there is bread in the house?”
Kazza gently nuzzled his ear, then padded toward the house.
Larwin decided to go up to Nimri’s room while she was still gone, and confirm his analysis about the sight line from her room. As he suspected, treetops hid some of the view. So, he climbed up to his own room. He put on his audio-visual viewer and studied the peak, which he’d previously taken for granted. The odd trees marking the cave’s entrance were more black than maroon and bursts of smoky exhalations spiraled up from their midst.
As he’d feared, the demented creature was still there, determined to break through the wormhole. At least this one seemed to be an eccentric renegade. Since madrox normally moved in packs, a loner was good luck; Larwin told himself that he should be grateful for small favors.
But he wasn’t. He slumped onto his bed, hands massaging his temples. He had two choices: he could either pretend things were right or tell Nimri the truth.
His mother had always said honesty was the best choice.
And if he chose the truth, he could comfort her right here. He patted the bed. Hopefully their body chemistry would be compatible enough to survive coupling. It was the only positive among a thousand negatives.
Unfortunately, even that single optimistic outcome would eventually end in death.
He’d cheated Kues when he’d survived the crash. And he’d cheated the war god a second time when he’d found Nimri face down in the weird wormhole. Perhaps destiny intended them to be together. To join.
Larwin went back down the winding stairs to the kitchen, nibbled on some bread, and waited for Nimri to come home. Though he stayed up until the morning star rose, she never returned.
Larwin finally trudged back up the long winding stairs and went to bed.
He dreamed that madrox teeth gnashed into Tem-aki. She vanished in a cloud of dust. After his sister disintegrated, the puff of particles swirled and churned, then amalgamated into the ash-covered planet where he’d crashed. He stared at the slowing revolving sphere’s dark surface, then the soot shimmered shades of red and gold. He blinked. When he looked, again, hundreds of madrox covered the planetoid’s surface. Their satanic red eyes glared at him. Sweat drenched his spine. Larwin woke to Kazza’s rough, wet tongue rasping his cheek and a damp nose purring into his ear.
The next minute, Kazza’s chin was on Larwin’s chest and his big amber eyes were staring straight at him. Into him. Into his soul. Into his mind. Larwin relived the madrox chasing him and GEA-4 down the strange tunnel, but this time, he saw himself, GEA-4 and a quivering image of Nimri fleeing alongside.
Odd.
Larwin looked down and saw glimmering paws racing over the desolate grime. A shiver went from the top of his head to the tip of his tail. He was Kazza.
The tunnel scene dissolved and it was suddenly morning. He was high up a tree that had a wonderful view of Sacred Mountain’s summit. Many of the lovely purple trees were blackened ruins and smoke rose from the cave in a steady, malevolent column. His sharp cat’s hearing picked up sounds of the madrox’s fury as it battled through solid stone.
The image switched to his bedroom and centered on the twisted black stick, which leaned in the corner, near the pile of books. Larwin stared at the ebony wood, trying to figure out its significance; suddenly, the stick glowed so bright that the light in the room seemed to darken.
He blinked. Abruptly, it was the dead of night. He was outdoors standing shoulder deep in reeds and knee deep in water as he watch
ed Nimri clamber into a bobbing boat with someone he couldn’t quite identify. Larwin squinted, but the light from the red crescent moon wasn’t enough, even for his feline eyes to determine who the person was, other than the fact it was a man.
Before Larwin had a chance to savor the jealousy that bloomed within him, he was soundlessly swimming through the dark, silky water. Next, clammy fur plastered against his flanks, Larwin stretched out on top of a house-sized rock and peered through at a lighted window-like opening in a huge hollowed-out rock. Candlelight from a dozen tapers flickered within. Abruptly, another flame flared, then another and another, as it had when Nimri lit candles at night and made the room an intimate retreat. He squinted and saw a man’s hands cupping the fire. Once the tapers burned, the stranger lounged on top of a cinnamon colored cushion and smiled at someone who was just out of sight.
Larwin’s teeth clenched. The handsome man wore robust muscles and little else. He shifted to his left, wanting to see whom the stranger’s companion was, but afraid that he already knew. Nimri leaned against a nearby table, unable to take her eyes off the nearly naked man.
No!
Larwin’s stomach clenched. He tried to force unwilling legs to leap through the too-small window.
Abruptly, the image vanished into blackness. Again, his vision congealed into the black stick. Larwin’s hands itched with a strong compulsion to touch it. As he reached for it, he jerked out of the odd dream.
Kazza’s intelligent gaze studied him.
“You are telepathic, aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question. Every fiber in his body knew the great cat was more than he appeared. He also knew for a fact that as soon as he’d left, Nimri had gone with the half-naked, handsome man. Was the gorgeous guy her lover? Husband? Betrothed?
Bile rose in Larwin’s throat.
In all the time they’d spent together, the subject of her life before he’d arrived had never arisen, so he’d assumed Nimri would be his for the choosing, if and when he was ready. She’d reinforced his belief when she’d mentioned that she wanted him for her cherished partner, and he’d made the stupid conjecture that she meant lover. Now, he knew that his assumption painted him for the fool he obviously was.
Star Bridge (Chaterre Trilogy Book 1) Page 23