Thanks, but you deserve the credit for teleporting me here.
Nah, it was mainly you. Your idea after all. How did you know I could do it?
Faith and prayer, LaRenna. It was the Mother’s way of showing you what a precious gift you have.
Gift?
Yes, lover. Krell winked. Who but you could move me like that?
Oh, Krell.
What? My humor fails you?
No, it’s just that, well, make me a promise?
Anything, sweetheart, just name it.
Promise you’ll always be there to catch me when I fall?
LaRenna Krells, from this day forward, I will be constantly by your side. Come fire, flood, famine, or freeze, I will always be as close as your touch. That is my new Oath to you. I will never leave you again, not for a minute.
And Krell never did, not by choice, not even for a minute.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Love is a powerful healer, capable of more than science can imagine or reason.
—Taelach wisdom
“Krell, darling, wake up.” LaRenna licked her dry lips. It had taken almost a full day for Tatra and the surgical crews to repair her numerous injuries. Krell had been in attendance during the surgeries, refusing to leave LaRenna’s side while she slept. It was late now and they were alone. Tatra had removed most of the external sensors, leaving but two to measure her patient’s vital signs.
LaRenna looked around the room then closed her eyes, squeezing back the tears. She was thankful for her life, for her new future, but her heart ached—ached for Malley. Why hadn’t she sensed Malley’s devotion?
“Don’t blame yourself.” LaRenna opened her eyes to see Krell looking at her. “You aren’t responsible for what happened.”
“I just wish I’d known.” LaRenna allowed Krell to brush away her tears.
“What would it have changed?” Krell kissed LaRenna’s forehead. “Malley kept it hidden and your talents weren’t strong enough to pick up on such a subtlety.”
“I should have—” began LaRenna, but Krell shook her head.
“Things happen for a reason and I’m sure we’ll understand this in time.”
“I hope.” LaRenna laid her head against Krell’s shoulder, lost in thought until Krell kissed her again.
“Well, now that I’m awake, how are you feeling physically? I can’t tell much without an open channel from you.”
“I closed it when I woke. You don’t want to sense what I feel. The meds have worn off.”
“Then let me help you.” They reopened the link so Krell could offer relief. “I’ll get Tatra.”
Tatra appeared in the suite’s doorway as they spoke, wearing a grin as broad as one of Firman’s. “I’m here. Just waiting for you two to wake.”
“You should be resting yourself,” said LaRenna, managing a smile. “What’s up?”
“First off,” replied Tatra, “your brother will be fine. His pelvis and one leg are broken but should mend completely. If we can keep him off his feet that is.”
“He’s near?” asked Krell.
“Across the hall sleeping, but that’s not why I’m here.”
“Oh?” said Krell.
“I did a few postsurgery scans on LaRenna. One particular test had interesting results. I ran it twice just to be sure.”
“What now?” LaRenna grabbed Krell’s forearm, fully expecting to hear another dread infection had invaded her body.
“You have a condition that invades Autlach females from time to time. It’s parasitic.”
“Curable?” Krell picked up on the beginnings of a heightened link. LaRenna was frightened.
“The initial stage lasts around ten moon cycles in Autlach women. I suspect it will take about as long for you, too. The second stage usually lasts sixteen passes or so.”
“That long?” It was so unfair, thought Krell. LaRenna had been through so much already. She deserved a little happiness.
I have happiness as long as I have you, Krell. Whatever this is, we’ll face it together.
Krell nodded to LaRenna then looked at Tatra. “Is the condition life threatening?”
“Not usually,” replied Tatra. It took every ounce of her control not to blurt out her findings. “And, Krell, unless I miss my mark, you’re responsible for her condition.”
“ME!” Krell’s eyes grew large. “How could I be responsible? I’d never do anything to harm LaRenna!”
“There is no evidence to the contrary, so I believe you are responsible. Furthermore, it is my belief that your soul phase is what caused the condition.”
“How’s that?” LaRenna propped up very slowly on her elbows. She could sense Tatra holding back. Curiosity told her to probe for the truth, but moral tact told her otherwise. It wouldn’t be ethical, not with a friend.
“Well,” continued Tatra, “without the technicalities—”
LaRenna grinned at her. “You? Not technical? Since when?”
“It serves no purpose among you laypeople. Firman informed me of that recently.” And probably will again, she added silently.
LaRenna stifled a giggle. She’d heard that thought without prying. “Go on, without the technicalities—”
“Without them, it’s relatively simple. It seems in a soul phase there is a small level of genetic exchange. Basically, you each gain a little of the other.”
“And?” prompted Krell.
“It appears, First Officer Middle, that some of your genetic material found its way into a critical part of LaRenna’s, forcing a change in her body.”
“Meaning?” Krell drummed her fingers on her chair.
“It’s only a couple of days old, if that. Very little division has taken place, maybe to the size of pinhead. One of LaRenna’s hormone levels is extremely elevated for a Taelach. In an Autlach female, the level would be only slightly elevated, not much of a sign, but in one of us any level is cause for alarm.”
Krell gripped her seat. “Spit it out, Tatra. What’s wrong with my wren bird?”
Tatra didn’t have to finish. LaRenna suddenly realized what she was getting at. Oh, what a glory-filled realization it was! She squeezed her soul guardian’s hand and looked up with a shining smile. “Don’t you see what she’s saying? When we soul phased in the Hiding Caves, you not only saved my life, you created one. Praise be to the Mother. I’m pregnant!”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
You want to see life anew? Look into the eyes of your newborn child.
—LaRenna Krells
Malley’s memorial service was simple and intimate. Her raisers, Dressa and Whellen, having recently renounced their Oath, each refused to attend the event if the other was present. Chandrey called their actions shallow, but LaRenna was relieved. Malley should be put to rest by those who knew her, not by those who had caused her lifelong pain.
Firman accompanied Krell to spell her from carrying LaRenna the entire three-kilometer hike, Krell resisting his assistance until he flat insisted on a turn. After all, he boasted, LaRenna was his sister. Tatra made up the rear of the small procession, fussing for them to be careful of her patient’s ribs, foot, and for goodness’ sake, treat her delicately—she was with child!
They stood at the Freedom Summit above the Training Grounds, facing the low rolling hills that grounded the nearby mountains. A light breeze had chased away the few remaining clouds, leaving a perfect morning for Malley to be laid to rest.
“Ready, wren bird?”
LaRenna nodded as Firman transferred her into Krell’s loving arms. “Hold on!” she gasped when Krell pulled her close. “The mourning sash is digging into me. Would someone please adjust it?” Firman tugged the blue cloth back into place. “Thank you. I’m ready now. Tatra, the ash box, please.”
Tatra passed her the intricately carved container. “Do you need another draw from the smoker before we begin? I know you’re in pain that Krell and I can’t entirely take away.”
“After I’m finished. I want a clear head for this.” LaRenna remov
ed the box lid, held the container at arm’s length, and looked to the three faces surrounding her. The rites were easier to speak with so many caring individuals present. Their sympathy and understanding proved comforting.
Let her go, LaRenna. Krell pushed the thought through their open channel. It’s time to send her home. LaRenna nodded, sighed softly, and began to speak.
“Malley Alexa Whellen, those who care for you have gathered to say their farewells. Your colors of life have faded away as you were taken from us suddenly and painfully. We cry not for you, but for ourselves, for the loss and loneliness we must bear. You have gone and only your memory remains in our reach. I scatter your ashes to enrich the land so once again we can see your colors blossom. Your work here is done. I release you, Malley. Your spirit is free to fly to the stars. With the Mother Maker’s help, we’ll meet again someday.”
Krell turned away from the breeze as LaRenna let the first handful of ashes sift through her fingers. They scattered over the hillside, landing mostly in a patch of pale yellow wildflowers in the valley below. LaRenna repeated the process until the box was emptied, each handful blowing to the same ribbon of color. Krell took the wooden box from her and tossed it down the slope. Now everything that was Malley could return to the ground and become new again.
LaRenna leaned into Krell’s shoulder. “Did you see that?” Her whisper was resigned. “The ashes landed in the skirt nipper patch. They were Malley’s favorite. I bet she planned it that way.”
“I’m sure she did, Wren bird,” replied Krell. “From now on when we see them, we’ll all think of her.” Krell turned toward Tatra, who held a lit smoker to LaRenna’s mouth. LaRenna took two deep puffs then settled into the pain-free comfort Krell offered with it.
“Is two enough?” worried Firman as he pulled back the lighter. Even now, he managed to offer her a supportive if not comical smile.
“Yes, thank you.” LaRenna looked at the flowers one last time. “No doubts, Malley. No regrets. No what ifs. The only thing that remains is the fact you loved me. You gave yourself for the life growing inside me. I will always love you for that. Peace be with you on your journey. We’ll meet again someday. That’s my oath to you.” A single tear rolled down her face as she turned to her guardian. “Take me home, Krell. We’ve a life to build and a family to raise.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
LaRenna and I decided to crew our own explorer vessel. Two more and we have a full complement.
—Krell Middle on the birth of the twelfth Krells child
An internal kick roused LaRenna from her night’s sleep. Once again, Krell hogged the bed and covers, leaving her overly pregnant mate with a scant corner of each. LaRenna shoved Krell’s sprawled leg from the top of hers and rolled on her side so she could sit upright. Movement made the pressure on her bladder overbearing but then again, she seemed to feel that way quite often the last couple of moon cycles. Krell stirred and reached to draw LaRenna close. Not finding her, she opened an eye. “You all right?”
“Yeah, nature calls.”
“Again? That’s the third time tonight.”
“I might as well live in the bathing chamber these days.” LaRenna pulled onto all fours, used a chair to maintain her balance, and stood. “Back in a minute.” She padded across the cool floor to the chamber. “Make that two or three.”
“Mmmhmm.” Krell watched in amorous humor as she went. LaRenna’s short legs and braced ankle paired with her heavy abdomen to create the effect of waddling. She slid the bathing chamber door shut then immediately back open.
“I do not waddle.”
“Yes you do. It’s adorable.”
“Really!” LaRenna gave an incensed snort and shut the door again. A few seconds later, it slid back open. “Krell, come here please.”
“Wren bird, it’s the dead of night.”
“Now, please.” An urgency in her voice brought Krell bolting from the bed.
“What’s wrong?”
LaRenna pointed to her feet. “My water broke!”
“No you don’t!” Krell’s eyes bounced from the floor to LaRenna. “Tatra says you’re not due for another twenty-one days. The midwives aren’t here yet. You can’t have the baby now!”
“Well, it’s not my idea!” cried LaRenna. “Talk to the child.” She clutched the washbasin as an unexpected tightness formed across her stomach. “Get Tatra. Now! This isn’t going to wait.”
“Let me help you back to bed.”
“Don’t touch me!” LaRenna white-knuckled the basin with both hands until the contraction passed, leaving Krell standing lost by her side. “Dear Mother that hurt. I’m sorry, dearest, I just couldn’t move.”
Krell’s eyes flashed blue sparks of helplessness and frustration. “Is it over? Can I touch you now?”
“Please.”
She scooped LaRenna up and carried her toward the bed. Halfway there, another contraction began and her grip on Krell’s arm became tight enough to leave marks.
“Ow! That’s bare skin!” Krell deposited her on the bed and transferred a blanket to her laboring mate’s shoulders. “I’m going for Tatra.”
“Don’t leave me.”
“I’m just going to the next building.” Krell slid on a tunic and leggings. “I’ll be right back.”
“Take me with you. We’ll go together,” LaRenna pleaded through her practiced breathing. “Please, Krell, I need you.”
Krell sighed, wrapped the blanket snug about her, and scooped her up again. “So you do, Wren bird, so you do. Let’s go.” The main square was empty except for the sentry and she was leaning against one of the lighting poles, fast asleep. Krell made a mental note of the dereliction and kicked at the door of a neighboring apartment. “Carrying you is not at all easy right now.”
“Really?” LaRenna huffed back, deep in another contraction. “I’ll carry you without complaint if you’ll give birth.” The child pushed against its confines, poking tiny knees and elbows into her ribs and back. “Is labor always like this?”
“From what I’ve seen, yes. Who’d have thought the first birthing you would attend would be your own child’s? Blast it! Tatra, open up!”
The door hatch hissed open and there stood Firman, dressed only in his leggings, standing in the dim glow of the room beyond. “Krell?”
She pushed past him to lay LaRenna on the front room’s lounger. “Fancy seeing you here, Fir. As much as I would love to razz you right now, and I guarantee I will later, we need Tatra.”
“I’m here. It’s not time, is it?” Tatra appeared wearing only Firman’s tunic. “How far apart are her pains?”
Krell’s answer was almost drowned by LaRenna’s sudden cry. “Close, and her water broke.”
Tatra smoothed back LaRenna’s unruly curls until the contraction eased. “How long have you been having them?”
“Not long. I woke up feeling as if I would burst if I didn’t get to the facilities. The waters ruptured as soon as I got in there.” LaRenna patterned her breathing as the tightness began again. Tatra gently stroked her hair until it passed. The pains were quicker and more intense than she had been taught, LaRenna barely able to catch her breath between them.
“Better?” She patted LaRenna’s hand. “Appears you slept through the initial stage, unusual but not unheard of. I believe you’re in transition. We’d best get you to the birthing suite. Your raisers will be highly disappointed if you don’t make use of it after all the effort they poured into its construction.”
“I don’t care where I have it!” moaned LaRenna through gritted teeth. She was being squeezed again only this time the pain radiated from her back. “Just get her out of me!”
“Krell, you and I’ll take her to the med unit.” Tatra ran back into the bedroom to slide on her skirt and slippers. She returned with Firman’s boots and cloak. “Here, Firman, send a sentry to the Autlach settlement in the foothills and bring back their midwife, and hurry! She’s close to delivering.”
“My shirt,
Tat. It’s cold out.”
Tatra rushed back to the bedroom and quickly changed tops. “Here, chilly man. Get going. Ready, Krell?”
“Yes.” Krell reached down to pick up LaRenna, but was fiercely pushed away—both physically and mentally. “Don’t touch me!” LaRenna clutched the back of the lounger, her knees drawn toward her chest as she struggled for air. “I’m not going . . . ooh . . . to be able to wait for . . . Ow! . . . the midwife or the birth suite. This child is coming NOW!”
“Change of plans, Firman.” Tatra retook her place at LaRenna’s head to support her patient’s shaking torso. “Bring my emergency kit and some towels from the bed suite. Get that sentry going, then wake Belsas and Chandrey. They’re about to become grandparents.”
“We’re not doing this in your front room!” cried Krell.
“We are,” replied the healer. “And you’re going to deliver it unless the midwife hurries up. You’ve done it before.”
“Not my own child! This is different!”
“No, it’s not.” Firman dropped the medical kit and an armload of towels by Tatra’s side. “It’s merely a more personal experience. Back in a flash.”
The entire compound sprang to life with Firman’s courtyard ranting. It wasn’t time to sleep! The first true Taelach child was being born.
Tatra laughed as his bellows reverberated throughout the compound. “I don’t know who’s more excited, Krell or Uncle Firman.” LaRenna leaned against her, struggling through another backbreaking contraction. At her feet, Krell had pulled the blanket back and was making a quick internal exam.
“I can see the head!” She smiled up from between LaRenna’s splayed legs. “The hair’s Taelach white and there’s lots of it!”
“She fully dilated?” Tatra was far more concerned about that than hair color.
“Yes, she is,” said Krell. “Push whenever you’re ready, love.”
“How about now?” LaRenna groaned as she tried to force the infuriating presence from her body.
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