Beyond the campsite, the silence of the frozen night was complete. Nothing moved beneath the crystal shroud of ice. He lay down and closed his arms around her, holding her safe at last.
You are my truth, she murmured.
And you, mine. He kissed her hair and let her warmth seep through him as the rhythms of her mind returned to a deep and trusting sleep.
RETURN TO THE CENTRE
The Uri’madu left behind a crisp dry frost on the Eastern Plains, and stepped back through the portal to the Central Continent campsite. There they found a green wilderness where their encampment had once been. Five pronged bushes with floppy red fruit that hung from each point gave the place a festival air. Bright orange slugs browsed between green nodules. Multi-legged crawlers cricked and clacked while waving fluorescent paddles in defense of their territories. Thick moss coated the tree trunks with waving webs of sporangia.
Casco scratched his head. “Are we sure this is where it was?”
“Has to be,” said Huldar.
“Looks like we were never here,” Gento said. “Can’t even see the escarpment.”
“Or the stones that mark the Djan’rū.”
Huldar listened for a moment and was relieved to feel it still resonating faintly. “Don’t worry, I can find it easy enough.”
“Talk about not leaving a mark!” Casco noticed a faint trail and pushed between the waving strap-tree fronds to see where it went. “Whose tent would’ve been here?” he called.
“The Gok, remember?” Nachiel rolled his eyes. “Hiding from the weather. Stayed here longer than the rest of us when we moved across to the eastern continent.”
“More than two years ago by Giahn standard,” said Tam.
“I know! Seems like forever, and here we are, running from the weather again.”
Huldar smiled with Andel as she studied their surroundings. “I like the way the strap-trees wave, and the bug-things with the paddles? Aren’t they cute! I hope they don’t bite.”
“I hope they don’t bite,” Sari echoed. “And I’m not sure I like the look of that bubbly stuff on the rocks. Isn’t that where we used to sit sometimes?”
“Let me look at it,” Nachiel said. He leaned over the pearly nodules and reached out to touch one.
Gento seemed about to say something until Huldar gave a mischievous shake of his head.
With a small pop the nodule released its payload of dusty-smelling spores, setting off an explosive chain reaction.
Nachiel jumped back and fanned his hands about. “Ugh! Right in my face!”
“I’d steer clear of that stuff if I were you,” Huldar said sagely.
“You should have known it’d do that!” Gento said. “In the ravines – you drew pictures of it for Breath’s sake!”
Casco sighed. “Put everything back where it was, boss?”
“You’re right.” Huldar looked around again. “Day’s wearing on. If we collect the critters first – I think there’s a safe space for them over there.” He pointed out a gully to the west. “Cobar and Gento, could you work with Casco to clear the vegetation? And you two, if you could check the cisterns please?”
“Right you are, boss!”
As Bush and Topper pushed their way through the thickets, Andel smiled. “At least the sun is shining. Critter patrol? Let’s get to it then, Sari. Something else I’ll be able to tell my father about when I get home.”
“Breath of life, would you look at this one?” Sari said. A black-and-red-striped creature squirmed as she held it up by one of its many legs. Outraged clicks emanated from yellow medallions spaced evenly along its body. “All that noise!”
“Here, I’ll hold the bag open,” Andel said.
When Sari popped it inside, the creature began a strident distress call, triggering its brethren to screech in deafening sympathy. Andel closed the drawstring tight, but the sound continued.
By midday, the site was cleared and the tents had started to go up, and by nightfall, hearths were glowing, dinner was cooking, and the Uri’madu had settled back in. Huldar accepted a mug of Besh from Casco and sat with his long legs outstretched toward the fire. They looked up as the marquee door swooshed open.
“Here he is!” Casco muttered. “The invisible Overlord.”
There was a sub-audible groan as Duvät Gok walked across the carpets. His polished boots made barely a sound.
“Thank you for your help today,” Huldar said.
“My duties do not include menial tasks,” the Overlord replied. He hovered at the bench while Tam took his plate.
“You call this food?” he said. “I can’t wait till we get back to civilization! What’s that?” He pointed to a red sauce Tam had made from the five-prong fruits. “No … more of that. At least I know what it is … no, and the green one too.”
“There you are, my lord,” Tam said politely.
Duvät turned to Huldar. “Are the portals re-established?”
“They are.” Huldar nodded.
The Overlord picked at his meal as if it were made from week-old leftovers. He winced as beyond the campsite hundreds of segmented refugees sang on in strident protest.
“I trust you are aware of the importance of completing the assessment of the gold deposits?” he said loudly.
“Yes,” replied Huldar.
“And the tin on the northern ranges?”
“Yes. And the darsite on the southern flanks.”
“Quite so.” The Overlord pursed his lips. “But you neglected to properly investigate the inner shores on our first visit to this continent, a situation which must now be rectified without delay. I await your reports!”
He looked with disgust at his half-finished plate of food. “I can’t eat this! Breath be praised our confinement on this dreadful world is nearing its end.” He clanked the plate back onto the kitchen bench and strode from the room.
“Neglected? Did you hear that?” Casco snorted.
“Nearing its end?” said Sari. “Anyone might think he wasn’t enjoying himself!” She turned to their cook and offered her empty bowl. “The food’s very tasty, Tam, and he should appreciate the trouble you’ve gone to. In fact, I’d like some more, if there’s enough?”
“Plenty more,” Tam said. His expression relaxed into its habitual smile as he doled out a second helping.
Later that evening Huldar stared into the flames and nursed another mug of ale. Andel’s presence was a warmth against his soul. Without consciously thinking about it, he was always aware of her position in the room. Tomorrow he had to go west, but Andel would stay here to work on the gold deposits in the long valley below the campsite. The longing to hold her was a physical ache, but she had set up her tent in its usual place and had given no indication she would be visiting him that night. Had he disappointed her? Perhaps, as he had feared, his feelings were not returned. But then her voice slid into his mind and his anxieties melted like morning frost in the sun.
Why so sad?
I won’t be seeing you – for months perhaps. He knew he sounded sulky, and perhaps he was.
She paused as if considering. Then we’ll have to be creative.
Creative? he echoed.
She sent an enigmatic smile and returned to her conversation with Nachiel.
That night, he lay in his bed and pressed his nose against his pillow to inhale the faint, sweet remnants of her scent. After so many years, why did it suddenly bother him to sleep alone? Then he felt her presence tickling at his mind and his eyes opened wide. He lowered his defenses and she swirled like a breeze through his inner self.
This is different! he said. A tangy scent wafted with her, and a fleeting annoyance that he could not quite place it.
He sensed her delight.
Hmm. Just an idea I thought might work, she answered.
Is it ziquarra? he asked. I can feel your hand on my chest as if you were here.
There is Hermes in our family lineage, so maybe. A great-great-grandfather. Do you like it?
&nbs
p; Oh yes! he assured her.
Then let’s see what we can do …
At first, as her psychic touch explored his body he found it pleasant but ephemeral, but as she gained confidence, he began to groan with delight as places of pleasure inside and out were aroused to exquisite life.
I don’t think that’s in the twenty-seven rules of touch! he gasped.
I’d be surprised if it was, she replied, and maybe a bit disappointed.
The next morning at breakfast, Lind claimed she had ‘things to do’ and left the tent early. Andel grinned at him over a warm mug. There was a wicked twinkle in her eye and before he had time to look away his cheeks had creased in an answering smile. The joy of their encounter was still with him long after he’d stepped through the portal with Gento and Nachiel to continue their exploration of the western sector.
ANDEL AND Lind
Andel watched as Huldar stepped through the portal. She knew she would miss his physical presence, but her experiment had proved a great success and the thought of honing her skills with more such adventures sent tingles through her body. Her neck prickled and she turned to meet Lind’s sad gaze. The angel’s haze seemed quite fragile, and Andel’s heart went out to her. It seemed strange to see the brash explorer so at odds. They had barely spoken since the ‘rescue’ and Sari was quite concerned by her increasing isolation.
“It’s as if there’s a great weight on her mind,” Sari had confided. “But she won’t let me see what it is. It’s as if something has made her afraid.”
But what could be so frightening to the normally resilient angel? Was it her pride? Did she fear that the Uri’madu would laugh if they knew the rescue was staged? Or if they knew Huldar had rejected her? Andel shook her head. The close-knit team might joke around, but none of them would be so unkind.
She smiled warmly and walked toward her, but when she reached out, Lind flinched away.
“Don’t!” she breathed forcefully. “Please, don’t touch me.”
Andel stepped back. “I’m sorry,” she stammered.
Lind held her hands up. “No, it’s not you. Really, it’s not!” She looked around. “It’s not any of you.”
“What then?” Andel could feel her desperate unhappiness, and Sari was right, there was also fear. “What is it, Lind? I’m worried about you. Sari is worried about you.” She averted her gaze, embarrassed to ask, but the need to know was strong. “Is it …?”
“You and Huldar?” Lind shook her head. “I knew it would happen from the moment I met you. Remember? I was so jealous – couldn’t find anything nice to say. But then you saved us from the mudslide … lahar … and it’s not you. It’s not your fault.” She took a deep breath and her haze regained some of its usual structure. “Please don’t worry,” she said. “I can take care of myself.”
Andel recalled the time during their communications window, the odd exchange she had noticed. “Is it something Duvät Gok has said? Or done?”
Lind startled. “No!” She glanced across her shoulder as if the Overlord might be listening. “Of course not! Why would you ask me that?”
Andel shrugged. “Just something I saw … it was nothing.”
“No! Of course it was nothing!” Lind said. “Slimy kalla’s a monster whoever he talks to.”
“A monster?”
Lind hesitated for a moment. “Well, he’s very unpleasant.”
“Unpleasant is an understatement!” Andel smiled into Lind’s eyes and hoped her projection of love and care would make a difference. “We have to make a move soon and start on our new projects, but would you have time to share a cup of tea with me?”
Lind sighed and started walking with her.
“Nothing like the taste of warm …” Andel stopped to think “… dar-leaf – that’s your favorite?”
Lind nodded. “But not yours! Sari tells me all the time: ‘It’s galano for Lady Andel!’ … And here she is.”
Andel smiled as Sari joined them. “Sari! We were just going into the marquee for a last cup of tea before we disappear into the wilds. You too?”
“Into the wilds?” The older angel beamed. “Lovely.”
As they sat down with their warm mugs, Lind remained withdrawn.
“I’ve been thinking of going to Hesh when we get back,” Andel said. “But I’d love to see more of Lentath.”
“Lentath?” Sari beamed. “You and Hu–” She gave a guilty glance at Lind then continued more quietly. “You could stay with me.”
“Do you know any charm-singers, Lady Andel?” Lind looked at her expectantly.
“Charm-singers?” Andel hesitated. “I don’t know. Only Huldar, really. Why do you ask?”
Sari chimed in, “My sister’s husband, Dursin, he’s a charm-singer, remember? You met him once.”
“Oh yes,” Lind said.
Andel’s shoulders lifted. “Do you need someone to sing a charm for you? Maybe Huldar could help?”
“No, I don’t need one sung,” Lind said. She studied her tea for a moment before admitting, “Duvät Gok asked me.”
“Duvät Gok needs a charm?” Andel tried to understand.
“No … He asked me about a charm, a beacon charm.” Lind shrugged. “I don’t know why.”
Something tickled Andel’s memory, then was gone. “I can’t say I know anything about charm-singing, Lind,” she said. “What a strange thing for him to ask you about.”
“Hmm, it was, wasn’t it?” Lind’s hands clasped and unclasped, fingers tying themselves into knots. “He seems to think that one of us has one.”
“Is there a law against that?” Sari said. “Who does he think he is? We can have whatever charms we want! It’s in the rules. It’s not for him to say!”
“I have a beacon stone,” Andel said. “I just remembered. Huldar gave it to me.”
“Can I see it?”
“I suppose so,” Andel replied. “It’s in Qalān … yes, here it is.” The rounded pebble nestled neatly into her palm. “He said if I had it with me he could find me anywhere.”
“Find you anywhere?” Sari nodded.
Lind turned her head as if suddenly quite interested in her tea. Andel blushed and put the charm-stone away.
Lind got to her feet. “I must get going.”
“I’m sorry, Lind,” Andel said. “Please, stay a little longer?”
“Thanks for the company.” Lind smiled valiantly. “I know you’re worried, but it’s nothing, really. Just something I have to work out for myself.”
Sari held her gaze. “You know where we are.”
“I know,” Lind said. She sauntered away with a touch of her usual confidence in her stride.
THE PREDATOR
Duvät closed his eyes and scanned the campsite. Three people remained. Tam was at the hearth, preparing another experimental dish with the local fruits, Arko was in the work tent assessing what was left of their supplies, and Lind was with Arko, asking him for extra supplies to take to the healers, wherever they were. It didn’t matter to him so long as he could get to the beaching shore undetected. Even though there had been no fresh waves of sea-worms wiggling up the sands for some time now, the thought of a missed opportunity spurred him to keep checking.
He pulled a bag of eyes from his pocket and jiggled the contents again. To him, the rainbow light shone like coins – rich golden imperials. He now had fifteen bags of high-quality gems stowed in Qalān and two of the inferior. Who knew what wealth they would bring? He stroked an orb with one fleshy finger before lifting it to his palm.
Lind!
She startled when he called. He savored her pulse of dread and caressed the shining gem again. In only eighty-two more days – not that he was counting – the navigator would come and this ordeal would be over.
“What should I do with my little plaything?” he crooned to the crystal in his hand. “What should we do about Lind?”
The hilt of his knife felt cold against his fingers. How would it feel to kill an annangi? he asked himself. Sh
e was strong, but only an angel. He had seen second-hand vision of the collared ones kept by the God-Emperor: silent and respectful, obedient to the slightest whim. He imagined they could be killed quite simply. Just a thought, a push, and their souls could be severed from their pliant bodies. Or he could make them stand and wait for the knife to descend … he would push it in slowly, savoring every agonizing moment. Enslaved minds were completely open, unable to be shielded. He could absorb their suffering and revel in it, much as he had with the sea-worms. But how much more powerful would the anguish of a dying annangi be?
With the riches from the sale of his Eyes of Bel Nishani he would be able to purchase many slaves and many more to replace them. But Lind? If he let her live, she would spoil his plans.
There was a muffled scratch against his door. He returned the gem and pushed the bag into his pocket.
Enter! He tried to make his mind-voice sound as regal and portentous as the God-Emperor’s might.
Lind sidled through the door-flap and bowed. He grasped her mind with his own. Come closer, slave!
“Stop it!” she gasped. With a surprising show of mental dexterity, she shrugged off his hold. He slapped her. A red welt appeared across her cheek, but now she was expecting him, it would take extra effort to regain control. Angrily, he lifted his hand to slap her again.
Wait! Please! she said. I have news.
He stayed his fist, suddenly curious. What news?
About the charm-stone. You asked me to find out for you.
“The charm-stone?” He’d almost forgotten about the mysterious beacon. “Well?” he demanded. “Out with it!”
“Andel has it, Lady Andel.”
He lifted his arm again. “I know that!”
Lind cringed and covered her face with her hands. “She got it from Huldar …” Her voice trailed sadly away.
Planet Walkers Page 18
