by Celeste Raye
Tae replied, "I first saw her as a Savra soldier dragged her across the battlefield. She was covered in grime and blood. Her body was bruised, and the skin scraped. Her hair was a mass of tangles, dirt, and blood. A metal collar was around her neck and connected to a chain. As I got closer, it became clear that the collar had become too small and was cutting into her neck. The chain was wrapped around a pole. I cut it loose and tried to get her to stand. She screamed and fell. That is when I saw that her leg was broken and untreated. It was swelling; so was her neck. Dragging her by the collar had deepened the cuts. It needed to be removed before she was strangled. The leg was losing circulation."
Michelle flinched and began to choke on her tears. Memories of her beatings by Jackson's hands had come flooding back, adding to her dismay over Tae's description of Eveline. Kelan wrapped his strong arms around his wife and said, "She is safe now. She will heal just as you did. No one will ever treat either of you like that again. You know I would give my life to protect you."
"I do know that. Please, can we take care of her? Would you ask the king to let her stay here? I need to help her. It would empower me as nothing else could," Michelle begged.
"If that is your desire, I will gladly grant it. Tae, ask Eveline if she is willing to stay with us. If she says yes, then I will go to the king and request it," Kelan answered.
"I will go to her immediately. Knowing she has somewhere to live will take some of her fear away. Keshel's sweet laughter will relax her and aid in her healing. A safe haven and kindness may get her to talk. I think she fears talking about her experience," Tae replied.
"I can promise you she does. It hurts to repeat the things you went through almost as much as when it was happening. I'll tell her about Jackson. She will open up."
"No, my love. It would hurt you too much to relive that all over again. You have had to repeat it so many times: to the police, me, the king, Daer, and then all of Talonia." Kelan could not stand for her to go through more agony.
"The more I say the words, the easier it becomes. The pain seems to be absorbed by the air as the words leave my mouth. I'll be fine. Eveline needs to know she isn't alone in her pain. Let me do what I can."
"So be it," Kelan answered.
"May I take her the rest of my hot chocolate? Surely, she has missed the Earth treat," Tae asked.
"Let me make her a fresh cup. Keshel can spare some more. Finish yours, and by that time Eveline's will be ready."
Chapter 8
Eveline
Eveline had difficulty going to sleep. The infirmary had grown quiet. The few soldiers who had not been released to recover at home were sleeping peacefully. Daer had already said goodnight and gone to get some rest. With darkness came loneliness and mind games. Every shadow was a Savra sent to take her back for more torture. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts anymore. She needed company. Not just anyone would do. It was Tae she needed. He was the only one that made her feel safe.
As if her thoughts had conjured him, Tae appeared at her side. "Are you awake?" he asked as his hand gently touched her shoulder.
The warmth of his touch instantly dispelled the demons lurking in her brain. Her head bent sideways and rested on his rough hand. "You came," she whispered. "Just like before when I needed you."
"Why did you need me? Are you not being treated well? Have the soldiers bothered you? I can speak to Daer if there is a problem," Tae replied.
"No. Daer has shown compassion. The soldiers say nothing, and neither do I. Terrible memories haunt my mind. Your presence eases them."
"I will remain with you then. You should not be without comfort. Look, I brought you a treat. Michelle made hot chocolate. Did you ever have it on Earth?" Tae asked.
A sob came from Eveline as she answered, "Every night my mother gave some to me before she sang me to sleep. I had forgotten."
"I did not mean to make you cry. I will dispose of it."
"No! Please, give it to me. It's a pleasant memory." She reached out to take the cup of sweet liquid. She moaned with the first sip. "It tastes like a mother's love. Tell Michelle how much it means to me."
"You can tell her yourself. Michelle and Kelan have offered to let you live with them until you are able to work and get your own place. They are willing to ask the king's permission if you agree," Tae explained.
"It is a generous offer. Do you think I should take them up on it?"
"It will be good for both you and Michelle. She too has suffered at the hands of another. But, she has thrived here. You can also. You really need to tell us what happened. Holding it in just causes the wounds to fester," Tae entreated.
"I will at some point. I don't want to repeat it incessantly. I will say it once for all of you and then never speak of it again. I want the past to go away. Tell them I will accept the offer of a home," Eveline stated. She handed the empty cup to Tae and continued, "I think I can sleep now."
Tae pulled a seat up to her bed, clasped her hand in his, and laid his head on her covers. "I will keep the bad dreams away. Sleep well."
Tae
Tae was awakened by Daer. "Did you stay here all night, boy? You better hurry. Hesher is calling the troops together. The usual training is to resume. Grab some food from the patients' cart and get moving."
"I will, but I have to know when you can release Eveline. Kelan and Michelle will take her in if the king allows it."
"She can go as soon as they get permission. Now go, boy, I need to see to my patients," Daer replied.
Tae laughed and grabbed bread and meat from the cart. Daer liked to sound like a gruff old man, but he was actually young and soft-hearted. If he was Shara's suitor, she would do well to make him her mate.
Tae took his place in line with the soldiers. Hesher's eyes fell on him instantly. It was impossible to tell what the commander was thinking. Was he still angry due to Tae's rebellion? Had word of Hesher's aid reached the king? He tensed as the commander began to address his men.
"I wish to praise you all for your parts in the war on Savra. It went well, though we suffered losses. I have high hopes that they have been subdued, if not conquered. The skies have remained empty since we returned. However, we cannot let down our guard. We must remain vigilant, not only in case of a Savra reemergence, but in the event another world finds us. Our practices will resume today. Kelan is manufacturing a large laser to defend our skies. He still requires the aid of his apprentice, Tae. If any others are called upon to help in the mines, I expect you to go without protest. You have seen what your previous work provided. I want to recognize some men today for their bravery in the line of fire and their help with the new weapon."
Hesher stood silently, his gaze roaming over the lines of soldiers. He began listing off names and asking them to step forward. "Kaylo, Zimar, Jobak, Tae, and Moraik."
Tae was startled. He was violently shaking as he came forward. He expected a reprimand, not praise for his actions. This had to be all about the weapon. He had disobeyed on the battlefield.
"Kaylo and Jobak are to receive medals of honor. They stood between the injured and the Savra, risking their lives to bring them home," Hesher stated. Hesher pinned the medals on the men's uniforms.
"Zimar led the weredragons that leveled the Savra leader's headquarters. Moraik removed the Savra women and children from their hiding place before it was destroyed, saving the innocents from destruction. Tae stopped the weapon that was knocking weredragons out of the sky and spent many hours without sleep to manufacture the weapons we found so useful. For those deeds, I give these men the new rank of lieutenant. I am proud of all my men."
Tae could barely breathe. It was a miracle. In all the uproar of battle, amidst the swirling sand that filled the air, Hesher had somehow seen him attack the Savra reptile aiming at the weredragons. He was honoring him for it despite his rebellion. He swallowed a lump in his throat as Hesher handed him the ranking to add to his uniform.
"Well done, Tae," Hesher praised him.
&
nbsp; "But, I do not deserve this," Tae replied.
"Do not question my viewpoint. Stopping that weapon saved many weredragons. The other matter belongs to the king. He can take away what I have given if he chooses. Stand tall and do not argue," Hesher replied.
"Yes, sir!" Tae did as he was told. He stiffened his spine, forced the shaking to stop, and proudly took his place among the row of lieutenants.
The mines were quieter without the Savra's bombing overhead. Kelan was knee deep in large metal pieces when Tae arrived. "Are these part of the larger weapon or discards?" he asked.
Kelan answered, "They are pieces I need help to join together. They are light, but it takes more than one pair of hands to hold them and weld them together."
"That is what I am here for. Let us get it done," Tae replied.
"Tomorrow will be soon enough. I received your message and asked for an audience with the king. He sent for me immediately. Our request has been granted. We have a different job to do. It is time to take Eveline out of the infirmary. A space in my home is ready for her. By the way, I was there this morning to see you get the promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant!"
"Did you have anything to do with it?"
"I may have put in a good word or two, but Hesher sees everything. It was his choice to raise your rank," Kelan stated.
"Did the king say what he was feeling on the subject?" Tae warily inquired.
"He said nothing about the war or you. He simply listened to my request and granted it. There were no questions or arguments. I could tell nothing by his demeanor. Let it go for now. Eveline is waiting."
Eveline
The clothes fit, but Eveline felt odd wearing them. Michelle had sent them from her own closet so she wouldn't have to leave the infirmary wrapped in bedding. The loose dress fell to her feet to allow for her leg splint. The soft sweater kept the chill from her arms. Eveline was used to wearing coarse, dirty rags that covered very little. They were only replaced when she outgrew them, or they disintegrated from age. Her hair was brushed and shiny now that she had the nutrition her body required.
Kelan noted the sparkle in her green eyes when she saw Tae enter. He glimpsed a similar glow in Tae's. They were smitten with one another, and it made him smile.
However, Eveline's sparkle dimmed upon spying Kelan. "Are you the king?" she fearfully asked.
"No. I am Kelan, your host. Tae and I have come to escort you to my home. Michelle is waiting with a feast. She has spent the entire morning finding things to decorate your room."
Eveline let out her breath. This giant man was not her enemy. He was giving her shelter. "Thank you for opening your home to me. It was unexpected but appreciated."
"You might not appreciate it so much once you hear our son running rampantly through the house and constantly asking questions. His curiosity is never-ending," Kelan replied.
"It is adult questions that disturb me. A child's chatter is different. As you said, he is only curious. Whereas, adults can be hostile," Eveline said. "Can we stop outside for a while? I have overheard the soldiers speaking of Talonia's beauty and wish to see it now."
"That is not asking much. Your wish is my command," Tae answered as he scooped her into his arms.
The red sun was still shining as they stepped outside. It made a perfect backdrop for the volcanoes and sent colors dancing through the waterfalls. Even the buildings were at their most beautiful at this time of day as if they were welcoming Eveline to Talonia.
"Oh, my goodness," Eveline gasped. "The soldiers' words didn't do Talonia justice. It is exquisite! Even my memories of Earth pale in comparison. Are we allowed to touch the waterfalls? Can we get close?"
Tae answered with happiness, "The waterfalls are for our pleasure and our energy. Of course, we are allowed to touch them. We dive into the pools at their base and fly through the mists. Many of our dead give their ashes to them as well as the volcanoes. I will take you to walk beside them as soon as you are healed. As to getting close now, Kelan's balcony will have to do."
"Your home is near a waterfall?" she inquired of Kelan.
Kelan's roar of laughter caught the attention of others, making them smile. He replied, "Any closer and we would be in it."
"It sounds wonderful. The water seems to be calling me. I want to feel it run over my skin."
Tae explained, "It is a source of energy, and you will feel it call every day. But, there is no need to make the trek to one each day. The water in our showers comes from the falls. Even as we wash, we are given its gift."
More surprises were in store as the stepped onto the elevator platform. Eveline was rendered speechless by the scenery as she was lifted into the clouds and above. The atmosphere was bright and pleasing, pushing out the dank, sandy heat of Savra. It smelled of happiness and freedom. Her damaged soul soaked it all in and begged for more.
A party awaited her. Michelle and Keshel had picked flowers and colored signs to decorate the house. The scribbles of a tiny hand covered the “welcome home” sign. It brought joyful tears to Eveline's eyes.
A small hand reached up to touch her foot where it dangled in Tae's arms. "No cry. Happy party! Welcome," the little boy announced.
"Oh, I am happy. Thank you for the sign, little man," Eveline replied.
"If you are hungry, we can eat. Would you rather stay inside or eat on the balcony?" Michelle asked.
"Tae says I can see a closer view of one of the waterfalls from the balcony. Let's go out there."
"A closer view? You didn't explain, Tae? How rude," Michelle laughed. "You're in for a treat, Eveline. Apparently, Tae downplayed the actual closeness. Come see for yourself."
"Close your eyes. I want to surprise you," Tae implored.
Eveline obeyed, though it made her uncomfortable. She felt herself being carried through the room, then the cool air from outside hit her. Tae didn't stop. He turned and continued walking until she felt a mist tickle her feet.
"Open your eyes!" Tae demanded.
It was a good thing he was holding her tight. When she opened her eyes and found her feet dangling over the balcony, immersed in a waterfall, she almost jumped from his arms. "It's here, right here!" she exclaimed. "I'm touching it!"
"That was my reaction as well," Michelle stated. "I consider it my personal waterfall. I refuse to believe it belongs to the entire planet. But, I'll share it for now."
"Me feel?" Keshel asked.
Kelan swung the boy over his head and held him in the waterfall's spray. He kicked with glee. "Me want to fly."
"Oh dear, that will have to wait a few years. You're already growing too fast for me. Don't push it," Michelle begged.
"Come here, Keshel," Eveline interrupted. "Tell me which foods to eat. I'm not used to Talonian food. I bet you know the best ones."
Keshel dropped from his father's grasp and ran to the table. Tae brought Eveline behind.
"Eat this one," Keshel pointed to a dessert.
"I like your taste. However, sweets should probably wait until last. What vegetable do you like?" Eveline asked to distract him.
Keshel sighed with disappointment. "Eat blue one," he said resignedly.
"I think Keshel will bring Eveline out of her shell," Michelle whispered to Kelan. "She's said more to him in the last few minutes than she's said the entire time she's been here."
"She talked to Tae a lot as well. They are captivated by each other. I think there is a romance in the making," Kelan replied.
"Wouldn't that be perfect? Another human and Talonian mating would take the pressure off of us."
"The king might disagree," Kelan reminded her.
"He's not so tough," Michelle argued.
Chapter 9
Eveline
Everyone was being so kind and understanding. Eveline found it nerve-wracking. She fully expected them to interrogate her. No one had even mentioned taking her to the king. Tae came every day in between his two professions. He often brought her small gifts: flowers, sweets, or colorful roc
ks he had discovered in the mines. Michelle made sure she had plenty to eat, and Kelan usually carried her out to the balcony before leaving for the mines. Daer came by each afternoon to see how well she was healing. It was too much. They were killing her with kindness, and she was paying them back with silence. She had to gather the courage to tell her story. They wouldn't wait forever. Someday, the kindness would surely end.
Tonight, Tae was coming for dinner. He and Kelan had finished piecing together the large laser, so they had agreed to a night off for everyone working in the mines. Tomorrow they would test it. This would be a good time to tell them all at once. If possible, she would like Daer to stay and hear it all too. He was removing the splint, and she would be able to walk on her own. They could kick her out if she didn't finally cooperate. Why she felt they would do such a thing, she wasn't sure. No one acted as if she was a nuisance or had overstayed her welcome. The anxiety came from her own guilty feelings. She had given her promise that she would explain everything to them and she hadn't followed through. It was wrong to hold back any longer.
Michelle and Keshel joined her on the balcony. The child had brought his blocks to play outside, and Michelle had brought hot tea made from a plant that grew beside the waterfalls. She handed a cup to Eveline and sat down with a sigh. "Dragging an inquisitive child with me through trading day at the market is exhausting. But, it's over until next month, and everything is chopped and stored away. I felt a few minutes to relax would be best before I tackled trying to teach Keshel some of his letters. He's mastered colors and shapes. I think I'll leave numbers to his dad."
"Isn't he too young for all of that? When do formal lessons begin here?" Eveline asked.
"They go to school at four, but Keshel is easily bored. He seems to enjoy learning. I expect he will be reading quite well by the time he turns three. I was the same way. He wants so badly to be grown up. I can't give him his wish of transforming into a dragon, but I can let him feel older by giving him some schooling. How are you feeling? Are you excited to be getting rid of the splint? Soon you'll be swimming under the falls with Tae," Michelle stated.
