by Celeste Raye
Tae did as he was ordered but listened to Hesher question the woman as well.
"I know you are awake," Hesher began. "You are breathing too fast to be asleep. Open your eyes and look at me. I mean you no harm, but I have many questions. Ah, there you are. What is your name, green eyes?"
The woman just continued to stare.
"I see, you do not trust me. Tae, tell her who I am."
"He is the commander of our army," Tae announced. "He is also the dragon that saved our lives."
"Now that you know I can be trusted, tell me your name," Hesher demanded.
"Eveline," she replied in a hoarse voice.
"You are dehydrated, Eveline. Why have you not asked for water? Tae would have gladly retrieved it."
"I can't ask for help. It's forbidden."
"That is the Savra's rules, not ours. You are not a slave or a prisoner. Ask, and your needs will be met," Hesher consoled her. "Tae, bring water. She must stop punishing herself."
"Drink, please," Tae begged when he brought the water. Her eyes teared up as the soothing coolness of the water trickled down her parched throat. "I hope that feels better."
Eveline nodded. She trusted Tae above all others. The commander may have aided their escape, but it was Tae who would not leave her chained to the post.
"How long were you with the Savra?" Hesher continued.
"Ten years," Eveline replied.
"Then you were only a child when they took you. How did that occur?" Hesher questioned.
"No more," she sobbed.
"Leave her be, sir," Tae courageously demanded. "Can you not see it saddens her to speak of it? Give her some time to heal and discover how different we are from her captors."
Hesher's eyebrows raised. He was surprised by Tae's insolence. "You are quite daring to speak to your superior in such a manner. However, this time I must agree with you. It is clearly too difficult for her to discuss. We will leave it for now, but the king will not be so understanding. Another human on Talonia will upset him immensely."
Tae was the one to nod this time. He had known from the beginning that the king would have a problem with the woman. At least Michelle had paved the way for her. She would not endure a trial or the shunning of the Talonians. Michelle had proven that humans could be trusted. Eveline would find a champion in her. She would not be alone. Tae would be there for her too, despite the punishment he would face. If Kelan let him keep his new position, there would be enough money to care for Eveline until she could earn her own.
Tae could now see the waterfalls and volcanoes of Talonia. Clouds parted to reveal the towering homes of weredragons. He was home and still alive. He had Hesher to thank for that.
Eveline
The commander had been kinder than Eveline expected. He had seen her thirst and ordered it to be quenched. His questions were probing and brought painful memories, yet he had stopped when Tae asked him to. His words about the king were disturbing. Would he torture the answers from her as the Savra had done? Truthfully, she had nothing to hide. There was no need for torture. The Savra had just enjoyed it, even though she was quite willing to speak freely. Her memories saddened her, but she would do her best to answer the king's questions no matter how much she hated it.
Eveline could feel the spaceship turn and slow its descent. It was landing. She would soon see another strange world. What would it look like? How would she be greeted? Tae and the commander had said she was no longer a slave or a prisoner. Was this true? Would she be free to live as she chose? Would they send her home if she asked? If so, would her family welcome her or shun her due to the scars and life among aliens? Would they even believe her? After all, no one on Earth was aware of the Savra. Eveline wasn't even sure she would recognize her family or whether she wanted to go back. She wasn't the same child that had been stolen that long-ago day.
The soldiers were removed from the ship first, giving Eveline a reprieve. Tae had left her alone with her thoughts and followed his commander's orders. She was happy the commander had mentioned her rescuer's name, because she hadn't asked. Their names were odd, not ones she had heard before, yet that seemed to fit them perfectly. They had a melodic sound to them that she found appealing. For aliens, they were very much like humans, except she saw something in their eyes that didn't exist in those of mankind. It was almost as if she could see the dragon inside.
Tae came and lifted her effortlessly into his arms. He told her, "I am taking you to our healer. He will do a much better job of caring for your injuries than I have. Soon your pain will be over."
So, she wasn't to be taken directly to the king for questioning. The commander was truly giving her time to recover. These men kept their word. She found herself longing to trust and believe them all. She hid her face in Tae's shoulder. She didn't care to see her new world yet or be stared at by its population.
When Tae sat her on a soft bed, a stranger appeared. "Well, look at that. It is another beautiful human female. You all seem to just keep appearing. It is quite disturbing how easily our planet is being found. Do not get me wrong; I like human women. At least I like the one I have met. I am Daer, the healer. Tae said your name is Eveline. He also said you are too brave to accept more painkillers. Bravery is commendable, but under these circumstances unnecessary. Your body and mind require it so you can relax and heal. You will also need something to keep away infection and yet another medication to minimize scarring. Your neck is in bad shape. We do not want reminders of your torment left behind. Will you cooperate?"
This healer was just as handsome as Tae and the commander: however, he talked a lot. It was a relief when his speech was finished. Eveline wasn't a talker. She preferred to answer with a nod of her head. She would save her words for the king.
The first medication must have been for pain because when a woman came in to scrub every inch of her skin, it didn't hurt. The wrapping on her broken leg was removed and replaced with long pieces of wood down each side of her leg, wrapped tightly with a thick cloth. She couldn't bend it at all. A nice smelling salve covered her scrapes and bruises. An extra thick layer was used on her neck. It stopped throbbing immediately, and the swelling began to go down. She was covered with a soft sheet. Her body relaxed, and she slept peacefully for the first time in ten years.
A gentle hand on her brow awakened Eveline. She slowly opened her eyes and peered into big brown ones that held such kindness it touched her heart. "Good morning, Eveline. You've been sleeping for a very long time. That's a good thing, though. You are healing and should feel much better now. I'm Michelle. I brought you something to eat. Are you hungry?"
"Human?" Eveline whispered. It was much easier to speak. Her throat wasn't swollen or parched.
"Yes, I'm human. You and I are the only ones on Talonia. I hope you find my presence comforting. Here, have some broth. It's not much, but Daer says you should start with liquids. You've been sleeping for a few days, and your stomach might revolt if we gave you anything more substantial. Come on, take a sip. It's tasty."
Eveline drank greedily from the cup that was held to her lips. The warm broth was delicious. "You're not a slave?" she asked Michelle.
"Of course not. Neither are you. Tae and Hesher both told you that. Did you not believe them?"
"It is hard to believe anyone after ten years as a slave," Eveline replied.
"I understand, but the Talonians can be trusted. I give you my word."
Eveline wanted to believe her, but she had yet to meet the king. Her life was in his hands, and she had learned to distrust authority.
Chapter 7
Tae
Tae reported for his job with Kelan. He would continue to work with the weapons until that privilege was revoked. He was certain this would be part of his punishment for rebelling against Hesher's orders and a Talonian soldier's protocol. His rank could not be lowered since he was already just a foot soldier. So, they would send him back to digging for a pittance.
"You made it home alive, I see," Kelan
said as a greeting. "Others did not fare as well. We will not be working this evening. We are shutting down for the death ceremony to honor our fallen warriors. The men have been taken from the mines to build the pyres anyway. I expect you to be there to show your respect."
"Yes, sir. I want to see how Eveline is faring; then I will change into my uniform. I am supposed to be one of the fallen's body bearers," Tae replied.
"Daer informed us of the newest refugee. Michelle has gone to see her. She took her some broth and hopes to bond with her. If it works, she will ask the king to allow her to question the woman in his stead. He would be present, of course, but not as intimidating. Michelle remembers how worried and stressed she was to face our leader. She does not wish that upon another tortured innocent," Kelan explained.
"I was going to beg for that duty. She has spoken little, but I think she may trust me."
Kelan answered, "It may still be necessary to have you there. It is a possibility she may hate humans. We do not know yet if she was stolen or given in trade."
"Do the Savra trade with Earth? How could they allow a child to be traded as a slave? It is barbaric!" Tae shouted.
"Neither Michelle or I believe they know the Savra exist. It is just a theory of the kings to explain her presence on their planet. I think it more likely that they kidnapped her. How they managed to be on Earth unseen is a mystery. The king hopes the woman can shed some light on the subject," Kelan stated.
"Her name is Eveline. Please, stop referring to her as 'the woman.' It makes her sound unwanted."
Kelan smiled and replied, "You are very protective of Eveline. She has crept into your mind and possibly your heart very quickly. Be careful, my friend. We do not know anything about her. The Savra may have brainwashed her in hopes of her being rescued and brought here. There may be evil in her soul. She may be a weapon of the enemy."
"No, she cannot be. She has endured far too much. You do not believe that of her either. Otherwise, you would not have allowed Michelle to go near her," Tae argued.
"You are very perceptive for a young man. You are right. I do not think she is evil, but it is better to be safe. A mistake could prove deadly. Now go and see her. The ceremony will begin soon. If you are late, it would be another mark against you, and the king already has reason to be angry with you," Kelan divulged.
"Will he take away my job with you? Can he remove me from the military? I am the main support of my family. They would starve."
"The king is not cruel, but he cannot allow insubordination in the ranks. If he lets you get away with this rebellion without punishment, others will follow your lead. Our military would be in chaos. Stop worrying. No one will let your family starve. I do not expect the king to take away either of your jobs. With myself, Michelle, Hesher, and Daer speaking up for you, the punishment will likely be minimal," Kelan replied.
"The commander would risk speaking on my behalf? Why? It would only put the spotlight on his aid," Tae questioned.
"He stands behind every soldier regardless of their mistakes. He sees potential in you, and I do not think he wished to leave Eveline behind. You gave him the excuse he needed in order to save her."
Tae walked away with his mind whirling. Was it true? Had Hesher been looking for a way to save Eveline without breaking protocol? It was a new concept to consider. Tae hastened his steps. He would be on time for the ceremony. He would not disgrace his complex commander any further.
Eveline was sitting up, her hair brushed, the grime gone, and eating. She was covered in bandages, and there was a splint on her leg. But, there was a pink blush to her cheeks and a small smile on her lips. She was beautiful. Underneath the grime and tangles, there had been soft waves of chestnut hair that fell to her waist. Her skin was alabaster and unblemished except for the cuts and bruises. There was life behind her green eyes, though the sadness had not completely disappeared. That would take time, and Tae could be patient as long as she was getting better.
"You look different. Daer must be taking good care of you. Is there a need that I can take care of? I have time to fetch you clothes or more food if you require it," Tae offered.
"No. You have done enough," Eveline softly replied.
"I hear you had a visitor. Michelle is kind. I work for her mate. They have become friends. They can be yours too if you allow it."
Eveline looked unsure and turned her head away. Her smile was gone.
"You do not say much. I have a feeling the Savra did not allow you to express yourself. Speaking again will come easier as you grow to know us. I am willing to listen to anything you wish to say. When you are ready, I would like to know your whole story. If it helps, I will tell you mine," Tae said.
Eveline bowed her head and blushed. Tae did not understand. Was she shy or had he said something wrong?
"If I upset you, I am sorry. I want us to be friends. I thought telling you my story would help. Would you prefer that I leave?"
"No, continue," Eveline whispered.
"Alright. I am a weredragon. This planet is called Talonia. It is our home, and we have kept our existence a secret. Only two humans have seen our true form: you and Michelle. Please, do not give us away. I am just a foot soldier. That is the lowest ranking in our military. I hate war, but I need the money a soldier earns to care for my family. My father was crippled, and his pension is not enough. I also helped make the weapons we used in the battle. That job I like. I would like to learn all I can from my mentor. He is Michelle's mate and a high-ranking officer. That is my story. It is not much. I plan to be important someday though." Tae was embarrassed. He had rattled off all those words in mere seconds. He must sound like a fool.
"Thank you for sharing," Eveline answered.
That was enough for Tae. She did not think him a fool. He hoped his ramblings would get her to tell her story soon. Now, he had a solemn duty to perform.
There were twenty pyres at the base of the waterfall. Twenty soldiers had given their lives on Savra. Their families stood by the pyres, waiting to light the fires that would send their loved ones on. Powdered minerals of each weredragon's color had been sprinkled on the wood beneath their designated pyre. The smoke would rise in the beautiful hues to honor the dead.
Tae lifted his end of the soldier's lifter This weredragon was almost as young as Tae. His color had been yellow. He was to be mated soon. Now his intended stood by his pyre with his family. Tae took a deep breath to stop his tears from falling. He owed it to the soldier to carry him with dignity.
Once the all the soldiers had been placed on the pyres, the king spoke. "It is with sadness and honor we meet here today. War is not what we desired. We tolerated the torment of the Savra for years, but then they began to harm our world. If they were allowed to continue, their behavior would have escalated to more disastrous weaponry. I am sorry that it became necessary to send our soldiers to their planet in order to spare Talonia and its population. These valiant weredragons gave their lives to save yours. Send them off with your heartfelt love and honor. Do not hold back your tears, for they are a symbol of your grief and love. We will never forget those who burn here today. Their ashes will be spread either in the waterfalls or the volcanoes. Each family will choose. They will eternally be a part of Talonia. You may light the fires."
Entire families transformed into dragons. Their combined dragon fire lit the wood. Bright colors of red, blue, green, and yellow filled the sky. All of Talonia waited until the last ember went out before leaving the families to scatter the ashes according to their loved one's wishes.
Tae did not want to go home. He would find more sadness there. He was relieved when Michelle and Keshel found him in the crowd. The little boy held out his arms for Tae. His childish giggle was refreshing in the midst of all the grief.
"You've made a friend, or maybe a playmate. Keshel likes you. He is getting heavy. Perhaps, I can impose upon you to carry him to our home for me. Kelan has been called to a meeting with the king. When he comes home, we are going to have a
rare treat. I have a small amount of popcorn left from my stash of Earth food. Would you like to join us?" Michelle asked.
Tae knew Michelle had seen that he needed a friend. She had given him a helping hand while still preserving his dignity. He liked her all the more for it. "I would be pleased to carry this young man. His laughter soothes my soul. A child to play with is exactly what I need. What, may I ask, is popcorn?"
Michelle started laughing. "It is impossible to describe. It contains no nutrition whatsoever, but we ate it by the bucketful on Earth. Keshel may even share his hot chocolate with you. That treat is not only special, but addictive."
"I get the impression that humans eat a lot."
"You have no idea how much. We eat to celebrate. We eat when we're sad. We eat to fill loneliness. Food isn't just nutrition for us. It represents love. Some humans carry it to extremes and grow very fat. I must say, I would have eventually become one of them. I do love to eat, especially junk food," Michelle replied.
"Junk food?"
"Worthless food is the best way to describe it. There's a whole list. I'll tell you all about them. Kelan learned to like them too," Michelle explained. "Liked is actually the wrong word. He was obsessed with some of them. You'll see."
Tae did enjoy the evening, as well as the food. The salty popcorn made the hot chocolate taste sweeter. He was growing comfortable with Kelan and Michelle, almost like he had a second family. He had sat on the floor building towers with the blocks of wood Kelan had cut for Keshel and laughing when the boy took such glee out of knocking them down.
After Keshel went to bed, the mood changed a little. Michelle broached the subject of Eveline. "She is so quiet and reserved. I can't imagine what she has had done to her. I was brutally abused, but I was an adult, and I lived on my own planet among my own species. Eveline was a child among reptilian aliens. Tae, what shape was she in when you found her?'
