by West, Shay
Kaelin turned to face the man who had asked for her hand in marriage. She glanced at the crowd, many of whom were standing staring at their feet, uncomfortable with the situation unfolding before them.
He’s not what I pictured as my husband.
The Earth man had no money, no castle, no means to pamper her like she’d always wanted. She wasn’t sure if they would live here or on Earth. What about Saemus?
As if reading her thoughts, Brad spoke softly. “I know I’m not what you envisioned. I have nothing to offer you. Except the promise that I will love you as long as I live.”
Kaelin looked at Keera and the redhead shrugged as though unsure what to tell her.
You have to answer him!
Kaelin wanted to run away and pretend this situation had never happened. The look of sadness and anger growing in Brad’s eyes only made her feel worse. Her breath was coming much too fast and black spots danced in front of her eyes.
“What’s wrong with you?” Keera asked, grabbing her hand hard enough to hurt. She pulled Kaelin off to the side so Brad couldn’t hear what they said.
“I don’t...I mean, it’s just...”
“What? Still living in your selfish dream world? The one where you are the center of the universe and everyone bows to your every need? Get over it. You’re lucky to have found a man that loves you as much as Brad does,” Keera said.
Kaelin wanted to protest but Keera’s words hit her like blows. What’s wrong with me? She looked over at Brad, who looked like he wanted to disappear. His hands were clenched and she could see his jaw muscles working.
Suddenly, everything they had gone through flooded her mind. His face filled her vision and she could feel his love and devotion pouring over her like warm water, washing away her doubts and fears.
Kaelin ran and threw herself into Brad’s arms. She wept when those arms enveloped her, crushing her to his chest.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Brad picked her up and twirled her around. She squealed and giggled, her heart soaring despite the glimmer of doubt that still lingered.
Keera smiled at Brad and Kaelin, then turned to face Sloan. “I’ll marry you. Just don’t think you can get away with surprises like this in the future—”
Sloan’s kiss took her breath away. She tried to protest, but in only moments, she forgot what she’d been complaining about.
The cheering of the crowd mingled with her laughter and tears.
***
Jon stalked away from the crowd, rage filling him as he tried to shut out the laughter and cheering.
“Love hurts, doesn’t it?”
Jon glanced at Fa’ Vel. The dark magician had come out of nowhere.
“They can have each other for all I care.”
“It’s too bad she never saw you for the powerful magician you really are. You could have given her everything.”
“She had her chance with me and she blew it.”
“Oh, I agree. Still, it’s going to be tough watching them join their lives as one...”
Jon stopped. The last thing he wanted was to watch Kaelin and Brad get married.
“You could always come with us. We’re leaving in a few hours.” Fa’ Vel watched the boy out of the corner of his eye.
Jon didn’t say a word but the idea of leaving sounded better with each passing second.
“Well, you know where we’re camped. I hear the wedding is going to be in a few short hours. Guess the little love birds can’t wait to consummate their relationships.”
Jon growled and stormed off toward home.
Fa’ Vel watched the lad for a while, a smile curling his face into its accustomed sneer. People are so easily manipulated.
He sauntered to his camp outside of town. His men were lounging around a small campfire playing cards or dice.
“Get ready to pack up camp. We’re leaving in a few hours.”
The men stood and began breaking down the tents.
“Make sure to get a saddle for the extra pony,” Fa’ Vel said.
“The lad is joining us?”
“Did you ever have a doubt?”
ASTRA
“I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING!” Keera said as she glanced at herself in the full-length mirror.
Her mother’s dress was a little large but it hadn’t taken long to alter it to fit Keera’s smaller frame. Most girls made their own marriage dresses from scratch but there wasn’t enough time. The traditional dresses were made from white fabric that had to be brought in from the Valla Territory and adorned with beads and lace. It took many months to sew them.
“It all feels a little like a dream,” Kaelin said.
“Well, it’s real. You’ll be married women in a short time,” Dayne said, tearing up.
“Oh, Momma, don’t start crying! You know I cry when someone else does I don’t want a blotchy face and red eyes when I am joined.” Kaelin said.
“It’s a mother’s prerogative. You’ll do it one day too.”
“We need less chit-chat and more sewing if we’re going to get these gowns done,” Lily said with a smile as she hemmed Keera’s dress.
When the dresses were finished, the women left Keera and Kaelin to finish the final preparations for the double ceremony. Just as the girls began to exclaim over each other’s dresses, a soft knocking interrupted their conversation.
Thadeus Flint and Hal Barlow entered the room, wearing their Sunday best. Tiny white flowers adorned their lapels.
“You sure look all grown up,” Hal said as he took his daughter’s hands.
Kaelin hugged her father, trying not to rumple her dress. “Thanks, Papa.”
“I sure wish Pa was here to see you, Squirt,” Thad said as he hugged Keera.
“Oh, don’t go making me cry! I’ll look like a mess in front of everyone!” Keera pulled back from Thad and wiped her eyes with a handkerchief.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing? The young men talked to us at length and convinced us that this is what you both wanted. But it’s not too late to change your minds,” Hal said as he gazed at his daughter.
“We know what we’re doing, Daddy. Brad and I are meant to be together,” Kaelin said with more confidence that she felt.
“Where will you live? I mean, since he isn’t from here...”
“We haven’t had time to discuss that yet. We just found out we were getting married a few hours ago,” Kaelin chided. “Besides, we have to destroy the Mekans before we can begin worrying about where we will live.” Kaelin took a deep breath. Her emotions were in turmoil. Everything had happened so fast she hadn’t had time to process everything. She loved Brad and she wanted to marry him.
Don’t I?
Kaelin moved away from her father so he wouldn’t see the doubt and fear in her eyes. She loved Brad and yet the thought of being joined to him for the rest of their lives caused her to break out into a cold sweat.
“It’s time, girls,” Lily Meadows peeked her head into the room.
It’s too soon!
Kaelin took her father’s arm and met Keera’s eyes as she took her brother’s arm. There wasn’t any doubt in Keera’s eyes. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes shone with the joy that Kaelin always imagined she should feel on the day of her wedding. If she had to give a name to the emotions flooding her body she would have to say they were an even mixture of terror, dread, and excitement.
Lamps hung in the branches of the trees all around the Village Green and flowers had been tied together and draped across the backs of the benches and around the trunks of the trees. Fire bugs danced amongst the chairs and bushes, lending their joyful light to the occasion. Several villagers began playing their instruments as soon as they spotted Kaelin and Keera walking toward the Green.
As the elder of the two girls, Kaelin took the lead, clutching her father’s arm. Her heart raced and she felt faint. She ignored the faces of the villagers around her and focused her eyes on the man she was to marry.
&
nbsp; Brad stood next to Sloan, dressed in traditional wedding clothing borrowed from one of the villagers. He wore dark trousers paired with a light tunic. Over the tunic he wore a vest of deep purple that matched the accent beads on Kaelin’s gown. She thought he had never looked more handsome.
But it was the look in his eyes that captivated her. His brown eyes held a promise of love that took her breath away. As she gazed at him, the fear and doubt melted away, leaving behind the pure joy and excitement that she’d always imagined she’d feel on the day of her wedding.
The musicians stopped playing as soon as Kaelin and Keera were standing next to Brad and Sloan. Rome stood in front of the four young people, waiting for the villagers to settle down before speaking.
“We are gathered here today to bear witness to the joining of these two couples. This is not to be entered into lightly, for a joining is forever, even after death,” he smiled at the four. “Please join hands and face me.
“May your days bring joy and your nights bring peace. May your troubles be few and your blessings be many. May you forever be joined in friendship and love. The good Spirits have touched you in many ways. May Their blessings rest upon you.”
Keera barely heard a word of the ceremony. She only had eyes for Sloan.
My husband.
It still sounded strange to her ears but she was growing used to it. Keera wondered if they would stay here on Astra or if they would want to return to Earth. She wasn’t sure if she could leave her family.
Isn’t that what married people do?
She pictured what their home would look like, how many kids they would have, their livestock and orchards, and a flurry of other thoughts about their future together.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted in cheering, breaking Keera out of her daydream. She squealed when Sloan grabbed her and swung her around, planting a kiss on her open mouth.
“Did you even hear a word your village leader said?” Sloan asked when he put Keera back on her feet.
“I’ve heard the ceremony many times. I can probably recite it in my sleep,” Keera said.
“Well, we are now joined, my dear wife. What shall we do first?”
“First some food, then dancing until the musicians drop from exhaustion.”
“And then?” Sloan asked with a twinkle in his eye.
Keera blushed to the roots of her hair. “I suppose we will retire for the night, won’t we?” Keera said primly, trying not to stammer.
She led Sloan to tables laden with food. Each time she tried to place something on her plate, someone wanted to hug and congratulate her. By the time she finally got a bite to eat, she was so famished she was shaking.
Once they had eaten their fill, the newly married couple clasped hands and Keera showed Sloan how to do the steps of the various dances. He was a quick study and soon took over, leading her around the Green. Her heart soared as he spun her around; she couldn’t contain the giggles that burst forth from her parted lips.
Seamus watched the revelry from a well-worn stump. His plate held food, which went uneaten. He simply stared at the dancers, a frown creasing his forehead.
“Aren’t you going to dance with me?”
Saemus looked up and smiled at his twin. “Shouldn’t you be dancing with your new husband?”
“He isn’t used to it and needs a rest.” Kaelin arranged her dress and sat on a log next to her brother.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes, neither one knowing quite what to say.
“Are you happy, Kae?”
“It’s my wedding day. Why wouldn’t I be happy?” The doubt had crept in again while she had stood listening to Rome speaking of being joined forever.
“I know you better than anyone. Forgive me, but Brad doesn’t suit your idea of what your future would be like.”
“Well, people can change can’t they?”
“I suppose. Just thought you wanted an easier life.”
“Our destiny sort of destroyed that chance. I have to settle for what I can get.”
“Settle? Is that what you did with Brad? Hardly seems fair, Kae.”
Kaelin refused to look at her brother. “He’s a good man. Why are you questioning what I’ve done? Aren’t you happy for me?”
“I’m happy as long as you’re happy. I just want to know that you’ll be all right.”
“I’ll be fine. He loves me and that’s enough,” Kaelin said as though trying to convince herself.
“Where will you live?” Saemus asked.
“We haven’t discussed that. I’m too afraid to think that far ahead. Chances are neither one of us will live through this anyway.”
“The thought of his death frightens you.” Saemus pulled her close.
“I couldn’t bear it if he died. When I try to picture what I would do, my brain goes blank. Almost as though it can’t deal with the notion.” Kaelin wiped tears from her cheeks.
“You do love him, don’t you?”
“I said I did, didn’t I?” Kaelin punched him lightly in the arm.
“Well then, I wish you all the best, whatever your future holds. Even if you choose to live on Earth, I can always come visit through the portal.”
“That’s true. And perhaps even Momma and Papa can come too?” The thought that her family could visit her on another world made her grin from ear to ear.
“I don’t see why not.” Saemus wondered how his parents would feel about going through the portal.
“That future is not yet certain. We shouldn’t plan things that may never come to pass.”
“Of course we should! How better to face the danger than with the hope that we will live through it? If not, what is the point of fighting?”
Kaelin sat up, tears freely coursing down her face. “It’s too hard! It seems pointless to dream when we are all sure to die.”
Saemus gently wiped tears from her face as he’d done since they were both very little. “It’s the hope that will give us the will to continue fighting. If you give up, even in your heart, then you will have already lost.”
“I suppose you’re right, as always.” Kaelin smiled and took a deep breath. “I will try to think positive thoughts.”
“Let’s get back. You’re sort of the guest of honor you know.”
“Only if you’ll dance with me!” Kaelin said as she pulled her brother toward the Green.
***
Jon ignored the cheering coming from the Village Green as he climbed on his horse. He jerked the reins hard, causing his animal to snort and rear in fright.
“Easy, lad. No reason to take out your anger on the poor animal,” Fa’ Vel said.
Jon ignored the sarcastic statement and turned his mount toward the road heading for Faerow.
“Tell me again why we travel toward the threat,” Jon said.
“Our power can be of use against the Mekans. If what you say is true, they will destroy the entire planet so traveling further away will only postpone the inevitable. And we will ingratiate ourselves with those in power,” Fa’ Vel said.
“Do you ever do anything that doesn’t ultimately gain you power?”
“What’s the point in that?” Fa’ Vel glanced at Jon. “You’re not changing your mind about joining us are you?”
“Not at all. Just want to know what I’m getting into. Unlike last time,” Jon said with a scathing tone.
“That was business, young man, strictly business. I was paid handsomely for your capture.”
Jon snorted. “Glad it was worth it for you. What you did ruined my life.”
“Come now, let’s not be melodramatic. Ruined your life you say? Who chose to run away because of a girl? You were treated like royalty, spoiled and pampered in a lavish palace. You learned to harness magic that may be the salvation for your people. Tell me again how your life was ruined?”
Jon opened his mouth to respond but closed it with a snap. Any reply he made would only make him sound more like a petulant child. And he wanted to leave home. The thought of watc
hing Brad and Kaelin mooning over each other was more than he could stomach, even worse than the thought of leaving his family.
The others will look out for them. If we can stop the Mekans before they ever get here, then it will be worth it. I’ll be a hero. Maybe then Kaelin will realize what she gave up for the Earthman.
ASTRA
“MUST YOU LEAVE SO SOON?” Keera asked.
Moylir nodded. “We must get to Gentra. If we go through the prophecies one more time, perhaps we can find a way to stop the Mekans before they destroy more worlds.”
“Will the Kromins be going with you?” Saemus asked.
“They will be of great use to us.” Moylir frowned. “However, if they all accompany us, we will have a hard time communicating. Perhaps if only two came with us...”
-- I will remain behind--
“Hurry back. I don’t know why, but I feel safer with you three around,” Keera said. She threw her arms around Moylir.
“We will go with you,” Forka said, pointing to Robert. “We need to check on the status of Earth and the Jhinn.”
“Then one of the clones should go with you as well,” Moylir said.
“Does that mean you’re going too?” Keera asked, grabbing Sloan’s hand.
Sloan and Brad shared a look. “We will remain behind.” It was hard for him to say those words. Even though he was married now, home was still the Jhinn encampment. The Jhinn would be ill-equipped to handle the Mekans if they arrived.
The grateful look in Keera’s eyes almost erased any doubts he had about staying on Astra.
“We will contact you if we find anything.” Feeror led the way to the Kromin’s ship.
“As will we,” said Forka.
Keera and Kaelin waved as their comrades made their way aboard the travel pod. Moylir paused and waved back. The travel pod lifted easily into the air, barely causing a light breeze as it shot away toward the Stroh Hills and the portal.
“I hope they find what they need soon,” Kaelin said.
