by Saxon Andrew
Scotty looked over his shoulder and said, “Are you all right? Do you need a break?”
“No, I’ve grown accustomed to Vring’s motions and I’ll be fine until we arrive.”
“You don’t need to go to the woods?”
Julie punched Scotty in the back, “I said I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve found going to the woods can lead to pretty good things.”
Scotty felt his heart beat faster. “Hang on, Julie! When Vring says he’s going to pick up speed, he’s not kidding.”
Vring said, “Ready?”
Scotty leaned forward and Julie ducked behind him, “When you are.”
Julie lost her breath. The Zord accelerated at an unbelievable rate and the ground below became a blur. She heard Cezee say, “Show off!”
Vring laughed, “We’ll see you at home.”
Scotty saw the three mountains ahead in the moonlight and knew they were getting close. He was tired and he knew Julie had to be exhausted. Vring said, “Bleath and the elders are waiting for you at White Hair. We’ll stop there and then go rest, ok?”
“That’s fine. It’ll be good to see your father.”
Julie held on as Vring slowed and began gliding toward the center mountain ahead. “Why did he call it White Hair?”
“I’ll explain later. It’s not really important.”
Vring said, “Mr. Modesty here doesn’t want to tell you that we named it for him.”
“Vring!”
“Ok, ok.”
“Named after you?”
“Yes, we helped them with an issue. The other two mountains are named after Jingo.”
Vring snickered in their thoughts.
“Vriiing?”
Julie smiled. Scotty was being modest. “I wonder what he did.”
They landed and Scotty introduced her to the largest creature she had ever seen in her life. It was larger than any creature she had ever imagined, and she had imagined some huge ones. As Scotty talked with the Giant Zord, she walked away and found a rock to sit on. She was there about an hour when she felt a small nudge, turned, and saw a ten-foot-long Zord staring up at her. Julie smiled and knew this was a child, “Yes?”
She heard the child being tentative, “May I ask you a question?”
“Certainly.”
The small Zord looked up the hill at Scotty and then looked at Julie, “Are you White Hair’s mate?”
Julie laughed and said, “No. He rescued me from the lands north of here.”
The small Zord showed his disappointment and turned to go. “Hey, why are you so disappointed?”
The Zord turned and said, “All of us that survived the Night of the Torg, long to carry White Hair’s children when we grow up.”
“Why?”
“The honor of being a chosen flyer of his children would be the greatest honor we could ever have.”
Julie looked up the hill at Scotty and saw how the Zord gave him huge respect. She turned to the small Zord and asked, “What is the Night of the Torg?”
“You don’t know?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Would you like to see what White Hair and Four Arms did?”
Julie stared at the innocent creature and said, “Yes, if you have time.”
“I always have time to show his great gift to my people.”
Then Julie was in the nesting ground hearing the massive roar of the Torg herds. She watched Scotty as he faced the giant beasts and rushed to save his fellow archers time and time again. He was absolutely amazing with that bowgun. Jingo was also amazing, but she saw it was Scotty that spotted trouble and rushed to stop it. Finally, the vision stopped and the young Zord said, “Only two of us survived the prior two cycles. He saved us all. He and his descendants will always have our love and respect.”
Julie looked at the Zord and said, “Thank you. Is that the reason they named the mountain for him?”
The young Zord looked up at the mountain peak and Julie could see his reverence, “Yes, it is.”
“What is your name?”
“Kreej.”
She watched the small Zord walk back to a large group of similarly-sized Zord, and she saw their disappointment. She turned and looked at Scotty still talking with the Giant. She had doubted that he was going to defeat the Magrum. Now she had seen him fire his bowgun and she knew he would defeat them or die in the effort. Tears came to her eyes. “He is so much more than my dream. I didn’t know that kind of bravery existed.”
Vring listened to her and felt her heart. He looked up at Scotty and back at the Red Hair. “Zreeg?”
“Yes, Vring?”
“I want to share something with you.”
“Go ahead.”
After a few minutes Zreeg said, “Do you believe this dream?”
“I was certain it could not be true, but now I don’t know.”
Zreeg was silent. Later that night he said, “Vring?”
“Yes.”
“I am going to be her flyer. I will not let her come to harm. You will have to defend White Hair.”
“I was hoping you would say that. I can’t protect them both if things start happening quickly.”
“It will be my honor.”
“Thank you, Zreeg.”
The young Zord came back and nudged Julie, “Yes?”
“They may be at it for a quite a while. Would you like to lay down on my wing and rest?” The Zord spread his wing next to her and she smiled. It was cold on the ground and she moved and gently laid down on the Zord’s wing. It was very warm. Another small Zord came forward and covered her with its wing. It was so soft, warm, and comfortable between their two wings. She fell asleep quickly.
Scotty found her between the young Zord’s wings sleeping soundly. He looked down at her and saw how beautiful she was. He saw she was immediately comfortable with the young Zord. And wonder of wonders, those extremely shy youngsters felt immediately comfortable with her. She possessed a gentle heart like his mother. She was also brave. Scotty felt his heart come alive. The Small Zord sensed his emotions and their excitement rose. Could it be true? The White Hair may be choosing a mate. That means children. Their excitement was felt by the elders up the hill. Bleath looked at the youngsters, “I wonder what has them excited?”
The three Zord flapped occasionally while flying toward the two communities. Julie was on Zreeg. He had landed next to them as they were preparing to leave and announced that he was Julie’s flyer. Scotty looked up at Zreeg, “Why have you made that decision?”
“I understand that she will be going back to free her family. She needs her own protector and she needs to learn to fly. Now is a good time to start that process.”
Julie looked up at the giant Zord and smiled, “You are very gallant, brave flyer. I am humbled by your choice and I am honored to be your rider.”
Scotty and Jingo stood there with their mouths open. Where had she learned to talk to Zord in their terms? Zreeg put his front leg forward. Julie sat on his claws and was lifted to his back. Where did she learn to do that? Jingo looked at Scotty and said, “That is one remarkable Human female. Most of the ones I know would never get that close to a Zord, even though they know they’re our friends.”
Scotty agreed. He was a little disappointed that she wasn’t riding back with him, but Zreeg was right. He was going to be too busy to make sure she was safe. He couldn’t fight effectively with another rider. He knew Zreeg would take care of her.
They lifted and turned toward the two communities. After two hours Julie thought, “Zreeg, why did you really choose me?”
Zreeg was caught; he didn’t want to tell her the truth.
Julie said, “If we’re going to be a team we must be honest with each other. I have seen the Night of the Torg and I know why the Zord treasure Scotty. I know you are here because by looking out for me, you are actually looking out for him.”
Zreeg decided, “White Hair is falling in love with you. No one has ever touched his heart; you are the first. I have
seen your dream and, though I doubt it happening, you are also being drawn to him. I cannot risk you coming to harm and hurting White Hair with your loss.”
Julie remained silent for a long time. “Zreeg, I understand that your warriors once attacked the two communities. Why did you stop?”
Zreeg said, “Because White Hair saved Vring.”
“Can you show me?” Suddenly, Julie was there watching a giant Torg charging while the Zord watching was trapped by a giant limb. She watched as a much younger Scotty nursed the injured Zord back to health. She laughed as Jingo almost broke a leg trying to run from the initial meeting with Vring and his father. Zreeg continued and shared with her all that had happened since. It was when she saw Scotty’s mother being killed that she grew frightened. She knew Scotty was going after Grang. He was so dangerous and he had that blaster. She thought to Zreeg, “If it comes down to it, we must make sure he is safe. My life means nothing compared to his.”
Zreeg was ecstatic. This female was worthy. “Zreeg, I mean it.”
“I know, Red Hair. Let us hope that moment does not happen.”
Julie liked Zreeg. She knew that she had found her heart. She looked over at Scotty laying back on Vring and felt the bonds between them. So different, but so alike. She needed to learn how to shoot a bowgun.
They arrived at the communities and Vring issued a loud scream as they approached. Julie saw the thousands begin running to the clearing below them. They gathered and sat in a circle around the fire in the center. After the communities were gathered, the three Zord turned and dove toward the clearing. Julie was proud that she rode Zreeg effortlessly and actually enjoyed the flight down.
The communities were shocked at the red haired female riding a Zord. The young women in the crowd were stunned. She made it look so easy. They also noticed that Scotty dismounted, ran to the young woman, and assisted her off her Zord. Many were jealous at the attention he was giving her.
Jing and Samuel watched the young female flying on the Zord and looked at each other. When Scotty ran and assisted her, they looked at each other again and shared a look. Jesa waited as Jingo arrived, but she also saw Scotty’s attention on the red haired Human female. Then Jingo was there covering her and Maddy with kisses. Julie saw Jingo rush up to a Cainth female and young baby and start kissing them. “Look at that, Jingo’s a father. I bet that baby’s already talking.”
Zreeg said to her privately, “His mate is brave beyond words. She insisted he go with White Hair to your lands. Those two are bonded.”
“I can see that, Zreeg.”
Scotty helped her down even though she didn’t need his help. She allowed it because she wanted every female in the gathering to know he was off limits. She took his hand and he led her to Samuel and Jing. The older women in the crowd saw that this stranger had won the heart of their son. They were determined to see if she was worthy. They looked at each other and could see that Scotty had finally found someone. They withheld their judgment until they could meet her.
Scotty said, “Jing, Samuel, this is Juliette Larson. She was one of the prisoners being held in the northern lands.”
Juliette bowed to the two leaders and looked them in the eye, “I am honored to meet you. I thank you on behalf of my friends and family that you are going to free. Your help is more than we can ever ask for, but I know we will honor your effort to free us. I am amazed at the bravery of your warriors and the great spirit and ideals of your communities. You represent all that the Ancient Holy Realm taught us.” Juliette knelt in front of the two leaders and lowered her head.
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and smiled. Jing said, “Please rise, Juliette. We thank you for your honor, and now we know our quest is worthy. We see a kindred heart in you.”
Juliette stood and smiled at the two leaders, then stepped forward and hugged them both. Jing was surprised but now he knew; she was worthy of his Human son. Her openness was refreshing.
Scotty smiled and said, “We are going to take her back with us. We need a Zecka made for her.”
Samuel looked at Scotty, “Are you sure we should allow our guest to go back into that danger?”
Scotty looked at him and they saw his reluctance, “I don’t want to do it, but if we don’t, there will be many lives lost. Zreeg has chosen to be her protector. You know we will do all we can to make sure she’s not harmed.”
The two leaders looked up at the giant Zord standing and staring at Juliette. Jing looked out over the community and yelled, “Kess, may I see you for a moment?” The community watched as Kess walked up and Jing talked with her. Kess looked at the female, then took her out of the clearing. The older women were going to have a discussion with Kess about this stranger.
Kess walked toward her home and said, “It’s unusual for a female to don warrior’s clothing.”
Juliette smiled, “Are you not willing to fight for your loved ones if they are placed in danger?”
Kess jerked her head around and said, “I will kill anyone who threatens my family.”
Juliette said, “It is always the females that know the value of their loved ones. We would be the most dangerous to anyone that tries to harm them. I can do no less, Kess. I don’t choose to don the Zecka, and I know I’m not worthy to wear it. But if it will save my loved ones, I will wear it. I would fight naked if I had to.”
Kess laughed, “So would I. Come and let us make your Zecka. I see you understand its holy nature.”
“It is the skin of one of my protector’s ancestors. I will honor it with my life. It deserves it.”
Kess nodded and knew; Juliette was worthy of the light haired Human. She also knew no one had better step in on her territory. She sensed the bravery of this small Human female.
Jing looked at Scotty after Juliette had left with Kess and said, “Have you now found a mate?”
Scotty looked at Jing and said, “Are you always this blunt?”
Jing and Samuel looked at each other and Jing turned back to Scotty, “Absolutely. Now have you chosen a mate?”
Scotty grew angry, “Jing, there are two people that make that decision. I’ve only known her less than a week.”
Samuel said, “He’s chosen her.”
Jing replied, “Yep, he has.”
Scotty said, “Hey, you two! Things like this don’t happen this quickly. She doesn’t know me well enough to even consider me.”
“Let’s ask her.”
“No you don’t!!”
“Now there you go, challenging the wisdom of your chosen leaders. You should know better than that.”
Scotty shook his head and stormed off.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, “Should we ask her?”
“Absolutely.”
“Let’s go.”
The two dismissed the gathering and left for Kess’ home. The entire community had been listening to them and decided to follow to see what was going to happen. Jing walked up and knocked on Kess’ door.
Kess heard the knock while she was writing Juliette’s measurements down, “Answer that and tell them we’re busy.”
Juliette answered the door and saw Jing and Samuel along with most of the community behind them. Kess came to the door and said, “What are you two up to this time?”
Jing looked at Kess and said, “We want to know if Juliette is going to be Scotty’s mate?”
Kess yelled, “You meddling bunch of old timers! What kind of question is that? Get away from here!”
Juliette said, “Why do you want to know?”
Kess was shocked into silence. She looked at Juliette and saw she was calm under the scrutiny of the crowd.
Samuel looked at Jing and said, “Scotty is the son of every family in our communities. After his parents died we all adopted him.”
“Did you ask him this question?”
“As a matter of fact we did.”
“And his answer was?”
“He said you don’t know him well enough to consider him.”
&n
bsp; Juliette looked out at the crowd slowly shaking her head. She smiled and said, “I had a young Zord, he fought for and saved, show me his bravery in defending him during the Night of the Torg. They love him. I listened to the parents of the young Zord and they also love him. I listen to Vring’s thoughts and he loves him more than I can describe to you. Jingo would die for him and their love for each other is clear.” She looked over the heads of the two leaders, “I look at all of you who are here because you also love him. You should know by now that anyone that spends more than ten minutes with Scotty will love him. His heart is that good. He has it wrong. It is I that hopes he will consider me. I also love him even though I’m undeserving.”
Scotty walked forward out of the back of the crowd and pushed his way through to Kess’ house. Juliette saw him coming. He walked up to her, pulled her close, and kissed her.
Jing looked at Samuel and said, “See? I told you he chose her.”
Scotty looked at Juliette and said, “I have been waiting for you.”
Juliette said, “I have seen you my whole life. Now I am home.”
The community began cheering and the old women had seen enough. This child was strong enough to match their son’s bravery. The young women were disappointed and knew they had to look elsewhere for a mate. Scotty went into Kess’ home with Juliette. Kess remained outside and joined some friends. “We can finish her Zecka later.”
Jesa looked at Jingo and smiled. Jingo was getting emotional. “What’s wrong, Jingo?”
“You should have seen how the young Zord adore her. She is so much like Madeline. I wish she were here to see her.”
Jesa saw the tears in the corner of Jingo’s eyes and said, “She is, Jingo. She made him wait for her. Now she can rest and not worry about him.”
Jingo stared at the door, then turned with Jesa and Maddy to go home and show them how much he loved them.
Scotty and Juliette were on Scotty’s favorite hill staring up at the stars. Juliette was lying next to him and enjoying the feeling. Finally, she decided, “Scotty?”
“Yes, my Love?”
“I’ve not told you about my dream.”
