The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  Jaradee looked at her daughter’s dark head and picked up her pace. Coming abreast of Floree, she mouthed ‘time out’ and stopped beside a sallow tree.

  Floree pushed aside the low-hanging curtain of willowy branches, motioned her beneath them, and let them swish back into place. “Time for a break?”

  “Check-in time. Do you know where we are?”

  “I believe we’re on the eastern side of Chaporticas Mountains, but—” The shake of her head didn’t inspire much confidence.

  “So you don’t know what’s up ahead?” Jaradee adjusted her backpack and wrapped the carrier tighter.

  Floree produced a small water flask and offered it. “Puna saw an old homestead a bit further on. It appears to be empty. If it is, it might be a place for us to hide for a time. Has Karia shared any information?”

  “No. Wait.” Jaradee concentrated. A series of images from her tukoolo flashed through her mind. She described them as they occurred.

  “Our protectors emerged from the cavern main exit. Joined by their tukoolos, they hiked away from us to a small valley south of here. Not long after, two horsemen met a Klutarse by the trap door. The two men followed the protectors. The Klutarse tied his horse to a tree and searched the vale close to where we fed the babies. He found nothing, mounted his horse, and galloped after his comrades. Our protectors tethered to their tukoolos, shifted, and flew further south. The men continue their search that direction.”

  Floree drank from the water flask, wiped her mouth on the back of her hand, and smiled. “The protectors will lead them on an endless hunt. With luck, the Klutarse won’t discover the deception until we are well hidden. Let’s find the homestead and see what it’s like.”

  Setting a steady rhythm, she led the way up hills and through shallow vales until the sun had begun its slow dive to the horizon. Finally, she stopped at the summit of a hill and turned. Excitement animated her weary face.

  Jaradee forced her aching legs the last few steps to her side and studied the scene below. Weathered, gray structures in what had once been a large clearing reflected the late turning light. She sighed. They look as tired and battered as I feel. From her vantage point, the sunlight receding over the pitched roof of a small house emphasized its abandoned appearance. Outbuildings partially obscured by tall grass and overgrown bushes looked weather-worn and untended. However, the clearing, surrounded on three sides by tree-covered hills and backed by tall mountains, could be viewed only from above and from where they stood. Their tukoolos would be able to see anyone coming long before the homestead became visible.

  Floree let out an extended sigh and began the trek downhill and across the field of wildflowers bordering the overgrown clearing. When at last they reached the house, the babies set up a chorus of wails. Perched on the edge of the rickety porch, Jaradee fed her hungry daughter and watched the final rays of sunlight tint the clouds overhead teal and lavender and splash the darkening dome with magenta. The breathtaking sight erased her initial feelings of discouragement and made her seriously consider taking up residence.

  “It is quite beautiful, Floree. I rather hope we can stay.”

  The next turning while the babies napped, Jaradee left Floree on guard and explored the clearing behind the house. Nestled in a grouping of trees, she discovered a small structure built of moss-covered field stones. A battered door hanging on one hinge groaned as she pulled it open and looked inside. A wooden bucket sat on the floor next to a hand pump.

  Sprinting to the house, she peeked in the front window. Rethdun and Rayn slept on a blanket in a protected corner. “Floree, come and see what I found.”

  Leaving the door ajar so they could hear the birth-mates if they cried, Jaradee led the way to the stone building and motioned her inside.

  “Oh, Jara. Does it work?”

  Jaradee grinned. “I waited for you. Shall we give it a try?”

  Floree grabbed the handle and began to pump. When nothing happened, she stepped away. “You try.”

  Rubbing her hands together, Jaradee pictured water flowing, clasped the handle, and pumped. A drop of dirty water dripped from the spout. A gush splattered the bucket and the floor around it. She kept up a steady rhythm until the water turned clear. Floree cupped her hands under the stream and took a sip.

  “It’s great. I’ll pump. You try it.”

  “Oh, Floree. We are so lucky!” Jaradee laughed and skipped in a circle. “We have a well! Now, all we need is a way to feed ourselves.”

  Floree grabbed her hand. “Let’s see what else we can find.”

  Their inspection of the clearing, both delightful and overwhelming, turned up a chicken coop and a shed containing rakes, hoes, a shovel, an axe that needed sharpening, and a wooden box of rusty carpentry tools. A second shed appeared to have housed a cow and maybe a horse. Next to it, they discovered a pigpen.

  Jaradee wiped sweat from her hairline. “We’d better check on the babies.” She climbed the steps. “I wonder why the owners went away and left so much behind?”

  Floree ducked through the doorway. “We may never know, but—” Rethdun let out a hungry cry. She hurried across the room and picked him up. “You’re wet. Let’s change you, and then you can eat.”

  Jaradee knelt beside her daughter. “Bet you’re wet too.”

  Rayn waved her small fists in the air and kicked her feet.

  After changing and feeding the babies, Jaradee and Floree tucked them in for the night and shared the last ration packet and a dried apple. Floree yawned and curled up beside the sleeping birth-mates.

  Jaradee slipped outside and sat on the porch, listening to the quiet sounds of trees and night insects and the swish of tall grass in the soft breeze. It’s so peaceful. I sure hope it lasts. It would be lovely to have a snug little home when the winter snow flies, a home where the birth-mates could grow up, where we could all be safe.

  Tipping her head back, she closed her eyes. I wish this homestead could be our home. I wish…

  17

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 1 - Birth

  E arly the next morning, Floree tethered to Puna and flew in search of a farm or village, where she might obtain supplies. Jaradee gazed after her and sighed. Helping Rethdun to sit up, she mused aloud. “I know we have to stay hidden.” She remembered the detailed sketch of Katareen on the reward poster and flinched. “I bet the RomPeer has put a price on our heads.” Rethdun blew a bubble and bounced happily. Rayn cried, demanding attention.

  Jaradee laughed. “I’m the lucky one. I’m here with you.”

  By middle-turning, she paced outside to search the bright dome. Where are you, Floree? The sun sliding beyond its zenith some time later increased her mounting anxiety. Leaving the birth-mates asleep in their corner bed, she stepped onto the porch, shaded her eyes, and scanned the dome again.

  Karia alighted in a tree nearby. A message from Floree whispered through Jaradee’s mind. “On the way back. Hide all signs of you and the birth-mates. Not trouble. Caution.”

  Jaradee made a quick sweep of the small front room and cooking area, tucked Rayn into the woven carrier, and with Rethdun straddling her hip strode across the clearing and into the trees. A brisk walk ended at a makeshift lean-to far enough away from the house to be a good hiding place. When she reached it, she threw Rethdun’s carrier on the ground, laid him on it, eased his sister from her carrier, and placed her beside him. Sitting beneath a tree, she nursed the birth-mates, sang them quiet songs, and felt a wave of gratitude when slumber wrapped them in its silent cocoon.

  Shadow and light performing a slow dance on the forest floor hinted at time passing. Impatience and concern warred inside her. Why aren’t you back, Floree?

  The faint sound of voices drifting through the trees answered her question. Wary of giving herself away, she ignored her desire to creep closer to the clearing. The wha, wha of hawk wings alerted her to her tukoolo’s arrival.

  “All clear.”

  Hesitant to wake the babies, s
he ducked from the shelter, stretched, and peered through the trees. Floree jogged into view.

  “You won’t believe my day, Jara. We have food and blankets and seeds and—”

  Rethdun gave a lusty cry. Rayn’s lighter tones soon joined the chorus.

  Jaradee picked up her daughter. “I thought I heard a woman’s voice.”

  Floree laughed. “You did. Let’s get the babies to the house, and I’ll tell you everything.”

  Each with a birth-mate straddling a hip, they strolled back through the trees. The crow of a rooster stopped Jaradee in her tracks.

  “Chickens? Did you bring back chickens?”

  Floree grinned. “Chickens and a nanny goat and two kids and… Oh, Jara, I met the greatest family. Winnoe is Eleo Predan and a Vasrosi. She rode back with me, then shifted and flew home. They loaned us a horse and wagon. Nodin is Pheet Adole, but he’s joined the rebels. In fact, Mylos had been in touch and asked them to keep an eye out for us. Puna made contact with Winnoe’s tukoolo. That’s how I found them.” She urged Jaradee around the corner of the house.

  Jaradee gasped. “Look at all this stuff.” She hurried forward and took a quick mental inventory of enough supplies for a moon cycle or more piled high in the wagon. Her heart gave a leap.

  Giving the horse a pat, she turned to Floree. “You think we’ll be safe here. Are we staying?”

  “I think it’s a great place to raise the children.” Floree kissed Rethdun’s chubby cheek. “What do you think, Rethdun?”

  He flailed his small fists, bounced on her hip, and gurgled.

  Jaradee laughed and bent to pet a black and white cat sitting sedately on the porch step. “It already feels like home. Thank you, Floree.”

  “Don’t thank me. Thank Mylos and Winnoe and Nodin.” She climbed the two well-worn steps to the porch. “I suggest we feed the babes.” Her happy gaze rested on the pile of supplies. “Then we need to bed down the horse and unpack the wagon.” She disappeared inside.

  Jaradee cuddled Rayn in the late afternoon quiet. She gazed from the house to the trees, savored the scent of wildflowers in the air, and kissed her daughter’s rosy cheek. “I have healthy children, a wonderful friend, and a safe and peaceful place to live.”

  Karia landed on a high branch, her telie-eye searching the hills and fields. Jaradee looked up at her compeer. The whistler hawk would warn her of danger—danger that could arrive at their door when they least expected it.

  Shrugging away her fears for tomorrow, she turned her attention to enjoying today.

  18

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 2 - Escape

  F loree sat up in bed, her heart pounding. A quick mental search of the house and gardens showed her nothing out of the ordinary. Puna’s distant presence suggested her compeer patrolled over the foothills. What woke me?

  Unable to shake the feeling that she had awakened for a reason, she pulled on pants and a shirt and tiptoed from the room. Jaradee and the birth-mates slept upstairs in peaceful oblivion. She chose not to wake them—at least not yet.

  Making her way to the front door, she slipped on her boots and stepped into the night quiet. Her senses searched. The coolness of spring, the scents of wildflowers and rich earth, and a breeze rustling the treetops felt normal and comforting. She crept into the overgrown field bordering the clearing. A scan of the nearby hills sent a chill skittering over her skin.

  “Brotico!” Puna’s telepathic warning dropped her to her knees, eyes glued to the dome. A large, flying figure gliding over the foothills blotted out the star-studded consistency of night. Descending circles narrowed its search. It swooped over the field, hovered above the homestead, and soared back the way it had come.

  A long-held breath whooshed from her lungs. Crawling between sturdy stocks to the edge of the overgrown clearing, she observed the place she, Jaradee, and the birth-mates had called home for three sun cycles. Hidden in the shadow of tall trees, the dilapidated house and outbuildings looked empty and forlorn.

  Rethdun and Rayn have thrived here. Worry creased her brow. She and Jaradee had hoped their peaceful life would last. Tonight’s appearance of the brotico, however, proved the truth of their tukoolos’ recent reports. Rompeerial soldiers drew near.

  The screen door squeaked. Jaradee crept onto the porch. Slouching against the wall, her gaze darting from Floree to the dome. Floree half rose. Puna streaking above her sent her back to her knees. Karia’s whistle sounded from the trees. Jaradee ducked behind a porch chair. A second winged creature banked over the homestead, hovered, and flew out of sight.

  Puna’s all clear sent Floree sprinting to the house. “Those were broticos. That means the Klutarse are close by. We must leave now. I’ll get the horse and the wagon. You get the children.”

  Jaradee slipped through the half-opened door. Floree hurried to the small paddock. She glanced up at the darkened moon. Alkina in its barren phase would cover their departure. Mentally reviewing their route, she hitched the horse Nodin had loaned them to the wagon and led it to the back door.

  Jaradee lifted the birth-mates into the wagon bed. Scrambling aboard, she crawled inside a special compartment built beneath the seat. As they had been taught, the children nestled beside her.

  Floree gave them each a quick kiss, wedged boards across the opening, and piled a hamper of supplies and an old tarp in front of them.

  Jumping from the tailgate, she made her way to the front of the wagon. The soft squeak of rusted springs accompanied her climb to the seat. A breath of cool night air calmed her quaking nerves. With a gentle slap of the reins, she sent the horse ambling onto a well-camouflaged track traversing the forest to the mountains beyond.

  Turning for a final look at the homestead set her heart pounding. Above the clearing, four winged figures blocked out the stars. More broticos!

  Tethered to Puna, she wove a curtain of quiet invisibility around the wagon. Concentrating on what lay ahead rather behind, she guided the horse along the track.

  The trees had begun to thin at the base of rugged, looming mountains when she reined the horse to a stop. Absorbing the predawn silence, she stared ahead, not sure whether to continue beyond the trees. Puna had not sounded an alarm and yet…

  The figure of a man stepped onto the track. Floree’s heart skipped a beat, then settled into a normal rhythm. The curtain of invisibility faded. Mylos strode toward her, ran a hand along the gelding’s side, and helped her down from the seat. A second man stepped into the open, amber eyes glowing in an ebony face. As though unsure of his welcome, Kuparak’s smile flashed, then vanished.

  Floree threw her arms around him. “Kuparak, it is so good to see you!”

  A board clattered into the wagon bed. Jaradee’s eager face popped up. “Kup? Is it really you?”

  Two small figures crowded next to her. Rayn studied him from behind a mask of shyness. Rethdun’s solemn young face showed no fear, only curiosity.

  Kuparak lifted the birth-mates down and knelt. “So you are what all the fuss is about.” He offered a hand. “I am Kuparak.”

  Rayn moved closer to Floree. Rethdun shook the hand. “I am Rethdun.” He glanced at Jaradee. “Momee knows you.”

  “Indeed, she does.” Kuparak grinned.

  Mylos climbed aboard the wagon. “We can talk later. ReRe says the soldiers found the track. The broticos are flying this way.”

  A flurry of activity returned Jaradee and the children to their hiding place. Kuparak shaped a smoky galee and circled upward. Floree joined Mylos. The horse ambled forward, its tail flicking, its ears twitching one way and then the other.

  Mylos leaned closer. “Tether up and hide us. I haven’t mastered the invisibility charm.”

  Floree searched for her tukoolo but found no trace. “Puna isn’t answering.” She scanned the beauty of dawn’s dome. A hawk swooped from the early morning mist and landed on her shoulder. The shimmer of invisibility veiled them.

  Mylos frowned. “What happened?”

 
; “A SorTech journeys with the soldiers and the Klutarse. Puna was too close to respond. We need to find cover. We’re a target even with the curtain.”

  A smoky galee, wings glistening silver in the rising sun, hovered above a series of outcroppings, caught an updraft, and shot domeward. Circling back, it disappeared behind jagged stones piled as though tossed from a careless hand.

  Floree slapped the reins, urging the horse into a trot. “Kup found a place to hide.”

  They rounded the first towering pile of bronze-colored rocks to find the galee perched in a sturdy pine. At their approach, it lifted into flight and soared into the mouth of a narrow gorge. Floree guided the horse and wagon beneath the ribbon of blue formed by the high walls.

  When they emerged in a tree-covered canyon, Kuparak materialized at the horse’s head. He led it between pines and fagus beech to an overhang sheltered on all sides by trees and rocks, stroked its nose, and walked back to the wagon. “We should be safe here, at least for the night. Let’s set up camp.”

  Mylos climbed over the seat and removed the boards hiding Jaradee and the birth-mates.

  Rayn yawned. “Uncle My.” She held out her arms and giggled when he picked her up.

  Rethdun followed, his paleness emphasized by dawn’s early light. Serious eyes the color of aged amber scanned the world and its occupants. “Are we safe?”

  Mylos ruffled his black hair. “We are safe, Rethdun.” He placed his birth-mate beside him. “Take care of Rayn while I help make camp.”

  Rethdun put a protective arm around her, guided her to the back of the wagon bed, and helped her to sit on the tailgate.

  Floree swung herself to the ground. “What about the broticos? Are they still searching?”