As she looked at it, the door opened and four Kalquorians emerged from the structure.
Three men and one female hurried towards them. With a nod to Erybet, Conyod took the lead to meet them.
The group of elder Kalquorians closed around the Imdiko, beaming with delight to see their son, embracing him in hearty hugs, ruffling his hair, exclaiming over him. Rachel wondered at his reluctance to visit. Their devotion and love were apparent.
His mother, Matara Lafec, was an Amazon compared to Earther women. She was still small next to the men, who were all about the same height as Conyod. Her clothing was simple; pants that molded to her sturdy legs without seeming too tight, and a blouse that hung loosely, its hem almost to her knees. After a moment, Rachel decided Lafec wore one of her mates’ shirts. Her scuffed brown boots reached halfway up her shins. Her shining black hair was caught up in a braid that reached to her waist. Her face was pretty despite being careworn. Rachel noticed the Matara frequently glanced over at her from the corners of her eyes.
Rachel identified Conyod’s fathers from the vid pictures he’d shown her. All three wore long suede leather-looking pants with padded inseams. Thick gloves hung from straps on their waistbands. Their shirts were long-sleeved despite the warm day. They looked like they’d already done a full day’s work to Rachel.
Dramok Tuher was an elder version of his son, obviously the biological sire of her beloved.
Rachel knew such things weren’t remarked upon. All three men claimed fatherhood of the clan’s children. Tuher’s jaw was strong and his smile came readily. More restrained but obviously pleased to see Conyod was the goateed Nobek Vel, whose hand went to the Imdiko’s shoulder and stayed there. His piercing gaze looked over his son carefully, assessing Conyod’s wellbeing.
As fervent with affection as Lafec was Imdiko Sema, who wrapped his arms around Conyod to hug his son with no sign of restraint or embarrassment. His broad face, which his long, wavy hair kept falling over, was delighted. “You don’t smell of kestarsh yet,” he chuckled. “What did we do to deserve first look?”
Conyod didn’t answer, but his face reddened. “You’ve been busy in the stables,” he said, appraising them all.
“Getting the eldest mare ready for your stud. She’s coming into season soon,” Lafec said.
Her gaze flicked to Rachel again. She turned from her son to look over those he’d brought with him. In a much more formal tone she spoke. “Hello Erybet and Sletran. It’s good to see you again.”
Her mates also acknowledged the Dramok and Nobek with polite faces and slight bows.
“We are always glad to have a visit from our son’s clan,” Tuher said. His voice was pleasant, though not quite enthusiastic.
Erybet nudged Rachel, and he led her and Sletran over to the group. Lafec’s smile was downright stiff as she too stepped forward to greet them. “This is the young woman you told us about, my son?”
Conyod grinned at Rachel over his mother’s shoulder and gave her a wink. Reassured, Rachel smiled with all the warmth she could muster at Lafec.
Conyod said, “May I present Matara Rachel. We call her Ray-Ray.”
Lafec dipped her head in a nod while her clanmates executed respectful bows. Tuher said,
“Welcome to our home, Ray-Ray.”
“Metla thlard gauted fapo mik pifral.” The words didn’t stumble despite the guttural language her clumsy tongue found so awkward to speak.
“And we are pleased to meet our son’s friend,” Tuher responded in kind. He exchanged impressed looks with the male members of his clan. Lafec only continued to eye Rachel.
“Please, everyone come in.”
Sema thumped his son on his back with a strong hand. “Don’t worry, Conyod. We won’t keep you from your kestarsh for long.”
Everyone chuckled. Even Conyod quirked a smile.
Vel inclined his head towards Rachel. “While he was growing up, there was a time he would sneak out and sleep in the stables instead of his own bed. I think he often wished he could transform into a kestarsh.”
Conyod scowled at the insistent teasing. Rachel grinned. Marcus used to be just as embarrassed by his parents when they visited. Earthers and Kalquorians were very much alike.
She patted his back sympathetically as they went into the house, and he uttered a long-suffering sigh.
Rachel thought she should be used to the Kalquorian use of vids to simulate windows by now. She’d managed to forget yet again. She was startled to see the main room well lit by what appeared to be natural light from all around instead of just the windows surrounding the door.
She settled on a tan overstuffed seating cushion, which was part of a seating circle. A stone fireplace was the focal point of the room, and Rachel thought it was probably quite cozey when the fire was lit. Conyod sat to her left and Sletran to her right with Erybet on the other side of the Nobek. Lafec sat on the opposite side of Conyod, her broad hand on his. She smiled up at him in utter devotion, and Rachel swallowed. Her own mother had never looked at her like that, at least not that she remembered. Not even before her father had died.
But Lafec’s expression was perhaps too devoted, obsessive even. Rachel thought she might be starting to understand the Imdiko’s unease around his parents.
Lafec turned her attention to Rachel, and her expression went wary. “I’m surprised to hear a traditional greeting in Kalquorian from you, Rachel. I was led to believe you didn’t speak at all.”
Conyod’s tone was gentle. “It is her own language that gives Ray-Ray difficulty, Mother.
She was tortured for information on Earth and put up a mental block against saying anything to her captors.” He smiled at Rachel as if proud. “Kalquorian is something they wouldn’t be able to understand, so she feels safe speaking it.”
Sletran added, “She is working hard with me to learn our language. I think she might be able to hold a simple conversation in three weeks at her present rate.”
Tuher nodded with approval. “Very impressive. I have heard Earthers find our language as difficult as we find yours.”
Rachel typed on her handheld and gave it to him to read. But you all speak English so beautifully.
They did. Only a trace of accent marred otherwise perfect diction.
Imdiko Sema, sitting directly across from her, answered. “We made it a point to immerse ourselves in your languages, each of us learning English and Spanish. I speak German in addition to that. Tuher speaks Russian, Vel Arabic, and Lafec Chinese.”
Rachel was impressed and chagrined. They knew more of her world’s languages than she did. She only knew English.
Sema continued. “It was necessary for our business. We have hopes of selling the kestarsh we breed to some of the Earther colonies. They are strong and obedient animals, more agile than your horses.”
Tuher beamed. “Technology has not yet improved on the kestarsh for its farmwork capabilities in mountain regions. To this day they are still used in canyons and highlands here on Kalquor, more so than any machinery.”
Sema added, “Not to mention so few of your horses survived the explosions on Earth. It will take a few years for the clones to grow to maturity and be capable of working for your people. We have already introduced the kestarsh to the Mercy and Haven colonies with pleasing results.”
Rachel had been eyeing a vid picture on the low table that sat in the middle of the seating group. It was of a muscular beast, with six thick legs and a thick chest. Despite its heft, it managed to look graceful, with a long, curving neck, a streamlined face that tapered from a strong jaw to slender nose, and a gently arched back. A sweeping snow-white tail hung from its rounded hindquarters, and the rest of its short, curly black fur gleamed with health. The animal’s eyes were gentle and intelligent as it seemed to stare at her from the still photograph.
She typed on her handheld. They are beautiful animals. Quite sensitive to their handlers’
wants too, from what Conyod has told me.
Vel’s
sharp eyes moved from her computer to her face. The man had the most intense gaze she’d ever been subjected to.
He said, “That still you’re looking at is of Dresk, the champion Conyod bred and trained.”
Rachel looked at the Imdiko in surprise. You never told me you bred a champion.
Lafec visibly swelled with pride. “Dresk has won more championships than any other kestarsh on record. My son is a natural when it comes to training the kestarsh. It is what he was born to do.” Her eyes narrowed at Conyod. “I keep hoping he’ll come out of this psychology phase he insists on wasting his time with.”
Rachel felt him stiffen, and he looked away from his mother, his mouth tight. Sletran caught his eye and surreptitiously winked. Immediately, the Imdiko relaxed and his lips curved in a private smile.
Tuher said diplomatically, “Conyod knows his own mind. He is talented in more than one field.”
Rachel typed , I’m certainly glad he became a therapist. I can’t imagine anyone helping me more than he has.
That earned her a smile from Conyod. His free hand found hers, and he laced his fingers in her grip.
Nobek Vel, sitting on the other side of Lafec, leaned forward to look at the Earther. “Matara Rachel, what is your opinion of the security protocols in the hospital? Do you feel they are adequate for the safety of the nurses and doctors against the more violent patients?”
Conyod rolled his eyes. “My father, I work exclusively in the traumatized Matara wing. As I’ve told you before, the majority of the women are more danger to themselves than anyone else.”
Vel was dogged with his inquiries. “But there are those who lash out against their caregivers. Even a small Earther can cause plenty of damage, given the right tools.”
Rachel thought she felt Sletran jerk the smallest bit.
Lafec nodded her own disapproval. “And don’t forget the Empress herself was abducted leaving that wing.”
Conyod was almost growling in his irritation. “My father, how many times have you visited me at my work? You were just there the other day when you came to the city to take care of those licensing issues.”
Vel arched an eyebrow. “I am fully aware of where I’ve been and what I was doing. Just because I saw you in your office does not mean I know how safe the working conditions are.”
Sletran’s tone was tight but reassuring. “I have visited Conyod’s worksite and have seen the safeguards in place there. The security since the Empress’ near-kidnapping has been re-examined and new protocols have been enacted. It is very safe for him to work there now.”
Vel scowled. “Every contingency cannot be foreseen.”
Tuher smoothly interjected. “All the more reason to not worry unnecessarily. Even raising kestarsh in these mountains comes with its share of dangers.”
Rachel thought she heard Lafec gasp. The Matara’s face was stricken as she stared at her Dramok, as if he had said something terrible.
Tuher refused to look at her. Instead he turned to Conyod. “I know you must be eager to check on your stables, my son. And you should introduce Rachel to Dresk. Two of your best successes must be brought together.” He smiled at Rachel with seeming approval.
Conyod stood, tugging Rachel up with him and looking relieved. The rest also rose to their feet. Lafec continued to cling to her son, both hands circling his arm.
He said, “I really should check in with my staff, and I thought Ray-Ray might enjoy going for a little ride.”
Lafec’s grip tightened. “But you’ve only just arrived! Surely you can spend more time with us.”
Sema’s tone, while kind, was firm. “He’s here every ten days to tend to breeding business, and you’re right there with him each time. Don’t act as if you never see your son, my Matara.”
She scowled at him and Tuher, and then looked up at Vel. The Nobek stared at Rachel. He seemed just as unhappy as Lafec, but he said nothing.
Erybet smiled brightly at Lafec, as if he didn’t feel any of the tension surrounding the group.
“We will return after our ride for a longer visit. After all, it is early in the day and we don’t want to interfere with ranch business. Perhaps we can invite you into town for evening meal?”
Lafec’s upset turned on its head, and she actually smiled at Erybet. “I will cook. After all, Rachel – Ray-Ray – deserves a proper welcome. We will sit and eat together this evening.”
Erybet bowed. “Thank you, mother of my clanmate.”
Sletran echoed the bow. “Your food outshines any dining option I know of.”
Rachel nodded her thanks and gave Lafec her brightest smile. Lafec waved them all off, but she looked very pleased. “Enough flattery out of all of you. Enjoy your ride.”
Rachel contained a snort. Lafec was a charming hostess and completely agreeable now that she knew Conyod would be returning later. Rachel knew the drill well. Lafec was just like any jealous Earther mom with a son whom no woman would ever be good enough for.
* * * *
Rachel held tight to the saddle handgrips of her mount as she rode. She sat atop the celebrated Dresk himself, above the waist-high grass of the plain, surrounded by the clan as they rode Conyod’s other kestarsh.
Dresk was monumentally huge, so big that Rachel had initially found it terrifying to approach the animal despite Conyod’s assurances. She came only to Dresk’s thickly muscled shoulder. But as she’d neared him, he dipped his massive head down to look her in the eye.
After a moment of quiet regard, he brushed his muzzle against her cheek and offered a soft chuffing sound. He stepped forward and nudged her with his head so that he could circle her shoulders with his long neck. The warm smell of sun and grasses seemed to be imbedded in his fur, offering a sense of comfort. She felt as if he was giving her a hug.
Conyod confirmed her assessment with a laugh. “Dresk just made you a part of his herd, Ray-Ray. He’s welcoming you into the fold.”
As Dresk released her, Rachel grinned. She ran her hands over the animal’s neck, burying her fingertips in the short curls of fur. I like you too, big guy.
He was the biggest of Conyod’s seven kestarsh, and she’d expected to ride a smaller mare.
However, Dresk had other ideas. Though the other kestarsh were just as friendly and doting when they approached her, the moment Conyod tried to help her mount one, Dresk gently bumped them out of the way.
After attempting to put Rachel on a third kestarsh with the same result, Conyod finally threw his hands up. “Fine, she’ll ride you,” he told the stallion. The Imdiko gave Rachel a rueful grin.
“Apparently, Dresk thinks only he is qualified to train you to ride.”
He’s going to teach me? Rachel was amused. It was backwards to the animals she’d known on Earth, but she had no doubt the kestarsh were not only gentle creatures but immensely intelligent as well. Dresk as her teacher made perfect sense.
Now she sat atop the champion, enjoying the slight sway as he bore her behind Conyod, who rode a younger stallion. Sletran kept pace with her on a spirited mare while Erybet brought up the rear on a quieter, older kestarsh.
“I never rode before I met Conyod,” Erybet told her, rolling his eyes. “The kestarsh find my lack of experience amusing, and the younger ones like to take off with me holding on for dear life.”
Conyod chuckled. “You ride like a sack of grain. They like to throw a scare in you, but they’ve never let you fall.”
“That’s true. Tricky creatures.” Erybet scratched his mare’s neck with affection. She nickered and threw her head back to bump his shoulder in return.
Sletran noticed Rachel’s sudden white-knuckled grip on the saddle holds. “Don’t worry, Rachel. Dresk has no intention of frightening you with a sudden run.”
It was true. The massive beast stepped carefully, grunting at Conyod’s mount when the younger animal got a little too far ahead. Only as Rachel relaxed and gained trust in him did he quicken his pace. They rode closer to the misty-topped mountains.
“A hand on his left or right front shoulder would also suffice,” Conyod told her. “Swinging your legs forward tells him to halt, and swinging them back tells him to go or to increase speed.
He’s already figured out you’re mostly nonverbal, so he’s ready to respond to touch commands.”
Sensitive creatures, Rachel marveled. Dresk made her feel safe. He often looked back at her as if to check on her wellbeing. It was no wonder Conyod loved him as he did.
The ride she’d half-dreaded was so enjoyable, she already anticipated the next excursion.
The tall, gray-red grasses perfumed the air, reminding her of wisteria. The breeze that wafted through the tall, thin fronds sounded like a gentle waterfall. The sun warmed her shoulders, left bare by her sleeveless top. Dresk’s rolling gate was like riding a sea swell.
The day was a pleasant, drifting dream, one Rachel thought she might never want to wake from. Contentment hummed through her. She was almost in a trance state from the blissful relaxation.
Conyod turned in his saddle to grin back at her. “What do you think, Ray-Ray?”
She grinned big enough to make her cheeks ache and nodded enthusiastically. In Kalquorian she said, “Good. I like. Dresk good.”
Dresk blew and his head bobbed up and down, as if to agree.
Erybet’s voice came from behind and to the left. “Her speech is really coming along.”
And it’s only going to get better, Rachel thought with determination. She pointed to the mountain looming before them and looked to Sletran. “How to say?”
“Pabem. The mountains are called pabem.”
Rachel repeated the word, memorizing it. After a few minutes of searing it onto her brain, she asked, “We go mountains?”
Conyod snapped, “No farther than the stream.”
Rachel cocked her head at his almost angry tone.
“Werpac.” Conyod slowed his mount so he rode beside her. “I’m sorry. I was a bit short, wasn’t I?”
Alien Redemption [Clans of Kalquor 06] Page 19
