Lillith

by Carol Buhler

  To share my wonder and love of this extraordinary species—the horse—I created Lillith and her world of the future, because I also love reading science fiction. On the planet Gareeth, telepathic winged horses, the reeth, are intelligent, loving, and infinitely tolerant. They dote on their human-like mind-mates, the don, helping maintain tempers, sharing hopes and dreams, and devoting their lives to support don endeavors. As a horse woman, I would love to have a reeth at my side.

  Once my main character Lillith got ahold of me, she has not let me go. She demands that I share my horse knowledge in my stories through her, her friends, and her family.

  Currently, I live in Ecuador with my husband where I spend every day reading, writing, or riding, or any combination of the three.

  https://www/carolbuhler.com

  Other Novellas, Short Stories and Novels in the Lillith Chronicles Available

  In suggested reading order:

  Lillith

  Emergence

  Encounters: How Metz, and other humans, handle the realization that they are not alone on Gareeth

  Revelations: Resistance from Pildon—the angry don; investigation of medical problem

  Gladys: Background short story about Bonami and Gladys Jeffs

  Farr: Novella and three short stories about Keradon, Samdon/Coccyon, Josi Real, Garard, Taldon/Tallyon

  Femm Rebel: Saradon fights for her power as Royal Fem and all femm

  Yon: Four reeth discover how different. although still dangerous, life can be with humans involved

  Mar: Reeth explore the new continent in search of an entire missing species and find more than they bargained for

  Dear Father: How reeth and don came to be on Gareeth

  Lilliod, Caleb, and Doc: Lilliod and Caleb grow up

  Lareina: Is this the miracle answer to human illnesses?

  Uninvited: Prequel, the story of Joedon’s great-great-etc grandfather’s first encounter with colonizing humans

  Box Set 1: Contains Lillith, Emergence, Encounters, and Revelations presented at a reduced price from the individual novels

  Emergence

  The first three chapters of the next novel in the Lillith Chronicles Series, Emergence, are included on the next pages. Enjoy more of this delightful pair.

  Chapter 1

  ~Lillith

  Memmyon burst into view from above the council building and aimed his telepathic shout directly at me. "Now’s the time." He landed in a flurry before me in the Joe mansion east garden. "Raedon’s fuming. He’s just dealt with one too many council members telling him what to do." He lowered his mental voice once we stood nose to nose. "He’s on his way."

  "It’s about time!" I whirled and led my co-conspirator into a shadowed area behind the mansion. There, we found my husband Lillyon grazing quietly among the bushes. He looked up and bent a quizzical eye on me. "You’re going through with this then?"

  "Yes, dear. We have to." I swept past him on my way to a corner next to Joedon's study. "Something has to make Joedon change his mind and this is the best plan we’ve come up with." I quivered with excitement. "Time’s running out!" Memm and Lillyon crowded beside me as I shielded myself from my don-mate inside and prepared to eavesdrop on the upcoming conversation.

  ~Joedon

  I was attempting to read a book when the noise my best friend Raedon made striding down the path and slashing at the ancient trees drooping over him brought my head up. His roiling anger hit my mind; normally I couldn’t read him so clearly. Metal boot heels rang across the stone courtyard; the front door slammed open; and feet clattered through the tiled entryway. Inside the study, I rose from the armchair, laid the book aside, and uncorked a bottle of Lareina, pouring two glasses of the purple wine. Gulping half of one, I shuttered my sensitivity to maintain calm.

  "Good," Lillith said from wherever she was. "Don’t get wrapped up in Raedon’s fury."

  "Joedon!" Raedon stood spread-eagled in the doorway. "I can't take anymore!" Brows snapped down over glaring brown eyes as he stormed into the room. "I've got to get away from here!"

  We'd both been frustrated at having to stay in Center; the Speaker’s Council had ordered us into town for the wedding preparations, then refused us any input. Only my aunt’s insistence had gotten me out of Eyrie in the face of the stupid Council command.

  I tried to sooth Raedon with the glass of wine but he ignored me and stalked toward the windows shouting. "I'm sick of them. I want to take Sara and run away."

  "You have to cope." I struggled to keep my tone level. "It's only four more days." Forcing enthusiasm into my words, I said, "Focus on your honeymoon."

  Raedon swung away from the window and glowered, his face flushed a deep red. "If they're this bad now, how much interference do we face later?" He flung himself around the room as if he couldn’t control his arms and legs, then crashed a fist down on the desk. "I want them to leave us alone."

  "Isn't going to happen." Refraining from "I told you so," I sent soothing waves as I gripped Raedon's arm. He shook me off.

  "How's Sara coping?" I tried projecting images of her calm face.

  He snarled, "I don't know. They won't let me see her. It's bad luck, they say." He spun away to pace. "You'd think they were a bunch of old femm instead of idiot politicians."

  They’re both, I thought and heard Lillith’s chuckle.

  Not as hot-headed as Raedon, I was still just as irritated, but I strove for an air of patience. He continued to hurl himself around the big room, side-stepping clusters of sofas, tables and chairs, ranting about the Council. I didn’t even flinch as the gesturing arms came close to toppling valuable treasures. When he failed to respond to any of my efforts, I called for help.

  "Let him rave." Lillith allowed the words to float gently into my mind. "It’s good for him to get it out." I struggled harder to contain my irritation. Knowing this would happen, I’d warned him.

  Finally, he stopped and stared out the picture window as if mesmerized. A minute later, he swung around, his eyes huge, his face excited. "I know," he said. "Let's go to Pith. We could find a street football game. Drink some beer. Party with the humans."

  I backed a step, heart thudding madly. I tried reason. "Now's not a good time to chance it. You know how the Council feels about humans."

  Lillith injected a quick, "Shut up!"

  As Raedon stormed toward the door, saying, "I'll go by myself, then. I've had enough!" Lillith nudged me to follow. Unconvinced of the wisdom of this action, I did.

  ~Lillith

  "Well handled, Memmyon!" I turned to my husband. "Are you coming with us?"

  "No. Joedon would wonder why I was following along." Lillyon moved away to resume grazing. "Call if you need me."

  Shortly, Joedon and Raedon joined Memm and I outside the mansion. They'd changed into tight-fitting riding-suits and tall boots. Flinging themselves astride, they wrapped long legs around our barrels, tangled slender fingers into our flowing manes, and balanced slim torsos slightly behind our heavily muscled shoulders. Once I felt Joedon settle firmly in place, I trotted to the cliff edge, extended my twenty-foot wings, and dropped off to glide toward the pass into the far-off plains of Pith. Memm followed.

  "Lillith." Joedon sounded strained. "Can't Memm help Raedon get through this mess?" His concern translated to fidgeting on my back.

  "He's trying..." I concentrated on reassuring him. "But he’s not a soother, and he’s as frustrated as Raedon with the Council. After all, it's his wedding, too. We've agreed that it'll be good for you both to get away for a few hours. That's why I shut you up when Raedon mentioned it. He's already relaxing the further we go. Can’t you sense it?"

  "Yes. And I have to admit, I'm glad of a respite. This royal wedding is developing into a royal pain." Joedon reached out and stroked my neck; I arched into the caress, feeling slightly guilty about what I'd set up.

  We flew steadily for two hours, weaving through clouds and staying out of sight of human civilization. As we approached the c
ity, Memm and I extended the mental illusions that rendered us invisible to don and humans. We glided silently over the huge city and landed south of Pith in one of the willow groves along the river.

  Joedon and Raedon swung lightly off and assumed similar illusions of young human males, a foot and a half shorter than they really were, long hair tied tightly back, wearing loose shirts and trousers. Joedon caught Raedon's arm. "If we can find a game, we'll play for a couple of hours and get back before the Council notices, right?"

  Raedon scowled and broke away. "You worry too much!" He walked a few steps and then stopped. "Yes, right," he said grudgingly.

  "Just making sure you'll go back soon."

  "Oh, leave off. I know I have to if I want Sara. It just shouldn't be like this."

  "Have fun!" I called and Joedon turned to wave as Memm and I left the grove. We flew only a short distance, then, safely out of sight, we landed on a hill in a stand of pine trees to watch as our mind-mates strode through an open field, headed for the outskirts of the sprawling city.

  Later, I grew tired of watching the game they’d joined. "Football is an interesting sport," I commented. "It seems more like war than our rolo matches are." I flicked an ear at Memm, who stood leaning against a nearby tree. "Why does Raedon like it so?"

  Memm twitched his ear my way and chuckled. "It gives him a sense of superiority. He and Joedon obviously outplay the humans. They jump higher, run faster, throw farther, tackle harder. Whenever they play, Raedon challenges Joedon to exert less energy but accomplish more than he does." The mobile ear twitched toward the city. "Besides, it’s physically satisfying. No one plays rolo in Center anymore." Memm’s wistful tone made me realize he would like to be playing, too.

  I was glad we didn’t play anymore. He’s still young. I sighed and turned my attention back to the game. Joedon stood all alone at one end of the field when a troop of gray-uniformed city guards burst onto the grassy expanse and started detaining players.

  ~Joedon

  "What the..." A guard sprinted toward me shouting; I shifted my image to a doddering old man struggling across the open grass.

  As he got close, he seemed to hesitate. "Get out of here, old man," he ordered, sounding hoarse. "You almost got arrested for playing football!"

  I shook my head and snorted. "Football! You're crazy!" I hobbled away, sensing him watching my retreat. Then, he glanced back at his troop starting to herd the other players off. As he jogged back to join the rest, I relaxed.

  Switching my image to a street urchin, barefoot and barely four feet tall, I shadowed the guards as they escorted Raedon and the other players through the streets. "Why doesn't he do something to escape?" I muttered. He didn't make an effort, seeming to go along with them willingly. "Chut, Raedon. Do something!" Of course, he couldn't hear me.

  As they approached a corner where a farmer's market had set up—flimsy stalls holding fruits, vegetables, and breads—I had an idea. Just when the troop reached the intersection, I dashed forward, snatched an apple and tipped over the end stall. It crashed with a racket, the farmer screamed "Stop, thief!" and I hid behind a broad tree trunk.

  Raedon didn't jerk away; not a single guard even glanced at the still shouting farmer. "What?" I couldn't understand.

  Dropping the stolen apple, I continued to trail the guards, mumbling imprecations at Raedon. The guards man-handled their captured players into the prison itself and the heavy metal door clanged shut with finality. Not knowing what else to do, I returned to the market to see what I could learn about the guards’ strange behavior.

  The farmer was struggling to gather his scattered produce; I reached down to help him collect some potatoes. "What was that all about?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice steady.

  "That thief?" He straightened, pressed big hands into the small of his back, and grunted. As he shook his head, a wave of disgust crossed his tired face and his words rumbled. "Happens all the time lately. The guards are no help. They're too busy arresting football players and hauling them off to prison for six days."

  Six days! I cried inside. I mentally shouted at Lillith. "What should I do?" To my shock, she didn't reply.

  Dazed, I helped the farmer resettle his produce and, to my shame, he gave me an apple for my aid.

  ~Lillith

  I forced my mind to return only emptiness to Joedon's cry for help. When I felt the overwhelming sense of loss and despair swirling through him, I sagged to my knees, but held my shield strong, blocking his every plea.

  Memm shoved away from his tree and gazed at me with admiration. "How did you get those patrollers to arrest Raedon?"

  "I didn’t have to," I said, allowing a hint of smugness to seep into my tone. "One of Lord Metz’ favorite guards was severely injured in a street football match. Since both Joedon and Raedon love the game, I thought it might be useful to plant the notion that street football was too dangerous to allow. Metz did the rest."

  "That’s why you wanted me to urge Raedon in that direction, isn’t it?"

  "Of course. And it worked just as I hoped." Nodding in satisfaction, I jerked an ear toward the chunky bay. "Keep Raedon muddled. Can’t have him escaping by himself."

  Dimly, I heard a horn and caught my breath as on the narrow cobblestone street, a distracted Joedon dodged away from an oncoming car, then darted down a back alley. Settling my thudding heart, I asked Memm, "How will we keep Joedon from rescuing him?"

  "I have an idea." Memm’s mind swirled with mischief. "We’ll see how well it works when Joedon finds him in the prison."

  Chapter 2

  ~Joedon

  Moving from one rowdy pub to another wearing the image of an old wino cadging drinks, I carefully asked questions about the new anti-street-football law and the prison system. Emotions ran high on the law, but no one seemed to know a thing about the prison. How'm I going to get Raedon out? Lillith still wasn't responding. I'm on my own—a terrifying thought. I’d never been completely on my own.

  Around midnight, reeling with frustration, I entered another smoky, noisy place, crowded with what must have been off-duty guardsmen from their rumpled uniforms. A couple played guitars and sang melancholy songs, apparently appreciated by the patrons who shushed me as I tried to get them talking.

  Well away from the guards, a tattered human seated alone caught my eye. His emotions were clouded with drink but at my quiet question, he burst into vitriolic mutters about being seized and forced to mop prison floors all day for no pay. I probed for more; the drunk’s complaints became louder until he was yelling and everyone turned to glare at us. I slunk away and fled out the door, but at least I'd gained some information.

  By dawn, I was crouched on a street corner near the prison, determined to get inside and get Raedon out. If I have to, I'll mop floors. Shivering in the cool night air, I wished passionately that I'd talked him out of coming, and that I was safe at home in my warm bed.

  ~Lillith

  Memm had long since given up watching; Lillyon had joined me in my night’s vigil. When Joedon finally settled miserably on his corner, I cast an impatient glance at the slumbering bay, stretched out on his side under a broad pine. "If he starts to snore, I think I’ll kick him." I swung my head and caught Lillyon’s envious eye trained on the young reeth. "I suppose you’d like to be sleeping, too!"

  "Not if you need me!" he answered quickly, eyes forced wide and innocent.

  I paced to his side, pressed my forehead against his sturdy shoulder, and stood quietly. Well aware that the uncertainty in my heart would transmit clearly to this one I loved, I whispered, "I have to admit—but only to you. It’s harder to stay out of Joedon’s mind when he calls more frantically than I expected it to be."

  "Of course it is, love." I smiled at his bracing tone. "You’ve spent his whole life helping him. Now, you love him enough that you know you must force him to resolve problems on his own."

  "Or he will never lead!" I nuzzled his jaw. "Thanks for throwing my words back at me."

&nb
sp; "Now can we sleep?" His plaintive words made me laugh.

  I led him to a grassy stretch under some tall evergreens, folded my knees, and sank to the ground. "Yes, love. Let’s rest while we can."

  ~Joedon

  The morning grew brighter as I slouched against a high brick wall facing the south side of the block-wide, six-story stone palace. I scanned the building. No windows on this side, only the one door. People scurried past me: men with tool belts, women with baskets of fruits and vegetables, children in uniform on their way to school. I bounced their gaze away; only one person could be allowed to notice me. The metal door across from me banged open with a loud clang and I sent a quick thought to prod the other people into hurrying along. Within seconds, the heavy-set guard’s attention locked on my grubby image.

  "You, there. Come with me!"

  I cowered and whined. "I ain’t done nothin, sir."

  "Shut up! You’re coming with me." The guard was tall for a human, but still a foot shorter than me. Dressed in an ill-fitting, stained blue uniform, he had an especially ugly face: bulbous nose and overhanging brows over tiny eyes, frown lines etched permanently into his dark skin. However, he moved rapidly for such a heavy human, reaching for me, the apparent vagrant.

  I sidled away. Can't let him touch me and learn how much taller I am than I seem. "Oh no sir, I cain’t go to prison. I got family to support. I gotta work."

  "Shut up, I said. You’re gonna work in the prison today. Don’t give me no crap about family. I imagine your earnings go down yer gullet from the look of ya. Family, my foot!" The guard prodded me with his truncheon, herding me toward the open prison door. "Get a move on. I got work's gotta be done."

  I allowed him to push me into a small room; he locked the door behind us. "Here, you!" The gravelly voice stopped me. "What's yer name. Can't just call you drudge all day."

  "Name’s Jug, sir."

  "Jug! Jug Bait you mean. Well, get over here." He pointed to a bucket of water. "Take this bucket 'n mop. Start washing down the floors in this here room. I'll be watching you, be sure o' that."