The UnFolding Collection Three

by S. K. Randolph

  “I felt you. I came as fast as I could.” Rasiana sat up. “Can you tell me what happened?”

  Rayn slumped against the wall. Tracing the pattern on the woven coverlet, she gathered the words to describe her experience. “The knives reminded me…” She rubbed a palm against her forehead, dropped her hand in her lap, and stared at the screen above her friend’s head. “Momee was killed by a Rompeerial Klutarse. I was only four, but I remember it as though it happened yesterday.” A desire to cry, to release the pain, almost overwhelmed her.

  “It’s alright to cry, Rayn.” Rasiana’s calm voice held no hint of criticism. “I won’t tell anyone. It might help.”

  Rayn straightened her spine and growled through clenched teeth. “No one will ever see me cry again. No one. Not even you. Please go.”

  Rasiana made no protest. She simply rose and rolled up her mat. “If you need me, use telepathy. I’ll be here.”

  The alcove, empty of her presence for the first time, set Rayn’s nerves jingling. Anger pushed away the unexpected vulnerability. Sprawling on her back, she scrunched the coverlet into fisted hands. “I will not let knives or soldiers or the Klutarse frighten me.” Something deep inside her stirred. “I will become the toughest and best Vasrosi warrior in El Stroma.”

  33

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 3 - Conflict

  T hree sun cycles passed quickly. Rayn studied hard and trained even harder. The dagger became her weapon of choice, although she liked the Pheet Adolan crossbow almost as much. Classes in map making provided an understanding of El Stroma’s two main continents. She took classes in the language of her birth, learned about the customs of Thornland and Charnland, and grew to love and understand the Eleo Preda and their diverse cultures.

  The knowledge that the RomPeer had sent soldiers to El QuilTran to murder her people stoked a fire in her belly, one which grew hotter with each passing moon cycle.

  One turning following her lesson on Thornlandian Dialects, Awinta waited for her in the passageway. They strolled toward the Serveero’s personal enclosure, chatting about happenings in Cliff Haven. Outside her quarters, Awinta paused.

  “Last night, visitors arrived from Chunarrie. They are here to see you.”

  Dread weighted Rayn’s legs. Her lungs emptied. She forced herself to breathe…to calm the fear. “Who are they?”

  The Serveero’s smile broadened. “They are people who were important to you in your early cycles. Shall we go in?”

  Rayn bit her lip. “You go first.”

  Awinta preceded her.

  Taking a moment to rein in her nervousness, Rayn stepped into the welcoming enclosure.

  A blonde woman reclined in a chair. Beside her, a tall man with a curly, black beard peppered with gray rested a protective hand on her shoulder.

  Rayn’s heart skipped a beat.

  The woman rose, blue eyes glistening. A tear slid down her cheek.

  A hornet’s nest of remembering buzzed around Rayn’s brain. She took a tentative step, looked at the man, and tried to speak. Took another step. A hand reached out. Two names escaped in a husky whisper. “Uncle My. Aunt Floree.”

  The woman gave a hiccuped sob and hurried to take her hand. “Rayn, I never thought I would see you again. I…”

  Mylos walked to Floree’s side and put an arm around her. His scarred brow arched. “You are as beautiful as your mother, Rayn.”

  “I am?” She sighed. “I miss her. I missed you when you left, and I miss my birth-mate.” Sudden hope made her stammer. “They t-t-told me he’s d-d-dead.”

  Tears welled up in her aunt’s eyes. The hope died.

  Floree opened her arms. Rayn moved into them, felt them close around her, let her head rest on Floree’s shoulder, and sobbed.

  Awinta and Mylos stepped into the passageway. Floree drew Rayn down beside her on a hand-made bench. When the sobs abated, Rayn brushed a hand across her cheek. “I promised myself I would never let anyone see me cry.” She sniffed.

  Floree dried her tears on a sleeve. “Crying is not a weakness. For women, it is a gift. It keeps us strong. Tears wash away the things that hurt us.”

  Picking at a loose thread on the cushion, Rayn shivered. “They make me feel vulnerable.”

  “I understand, but how do you feel now? Are you as sad?”

  “No. But I think it’s because you’re here. Why did you not come sooner?”

  Mylos appeared in the entryway. “May I come in?”

  Rayn nodded.

  He moved a chair next to Floree. “For your safety and the safety of all those at Cimondeli, we could not come sooner. All Vasrosi who have come to the notice of Lusktar Rados are watched. Kuparak let us know you were safe, so we maintained a self-imposed distance.”

  Floree touched her knee. “Can you forgive us?”

  Rayn savored the warmth of her aunt’s hand. “You are here now, that’s what matters.” She grew pensive. “I have so many questions.”

  Soon, they were sharing memories and stories. Floree described the house where the birth-mates were raised. Mylos talked about her mother and how much she loved her children. She answered questions about the Children’s Residence and asked them about their lives. When they talked, she listened and watched. Something in the way Mylos looked at Floree caught her attention.

  “Uncle My, you love Aunt Floree.”

  He laughed. “I do.”

  Floree squeezed his hand. “Awinta did a ceremony of joining for us about the time you were rescued.” She touched her belly. “Soon we will have a child.”

  Mylos cleared his throat. “Which brings us to why we made the journey to see you.”

  Rayn looked from one to the other. “You’re leaving El Stroma.” The words sounded flat and lifeless.

  Floree glanced at Mylos. He took the lead.

  “We don’t want our child to grow up in a war zone. As much as we love El QuilTran and the lives we lived there…” His jaw tightened. “Our home no longer exists. Rompeerial soldiers have destroyed almost every town and village. Farms are decimated and livestock slaughtered. Those few areas still undamaged are home to the Pheet Adole. Eleo Predans hide in the mountains with no hope of their lives returning to normal. Many are leaving.”

  “What about Kuparak? Will he go, too?”

  “No. He remains on El Stroma.” Mylos tugged at his beard. “He has again assumed the position of Vasrosi leader.”

  Floree inhaled an audible breath. “We are here to ask you to come with us. Our plan is to cross the DéCussate and make our way to Tao Spirian in the Clenaba Rolas Solar System. You would be a sister to our child. You would be safe. What do you think?”

  Rayn stared at the stone floor. Desire and logic jostled in her mind. Her heart screamed to go; her brain yelled stay. Panted breaths brought her thoughts to a standstill. Interlacing her fingers, she pressed her palms together and slowed her breathing.

  “I cannot leave El Stroma. The Eleo Preda are being massacred. I am almost ready to join the fight.” She licked her lips. “Momee died to save me. Rethdun is gone. It is up to me to help save our people.”

  Floree sagged against her partner. “Mylos felt certain that would be your decision, but I wanted to ask. I wanted you to have the opportunity to come if it felt right to you.”

  “Thank you for making the journey, Aunt Floree. Seeing you means a lot.”

  Mylos looked curious. “Awinta tells me you are one of the best fighters in the haven. What’s your favorite weapon?”

  “I am good with a dagger, but I love the Pheet Adolan crossbow, the one they developed for the Klutarse.”

  He whistled. “I’ve seen ’em, but never had the chance to use one. You have one here?”

  Awinta stood in the entry next to Vygel. “We have managed to acquire a couple. Vygel, why don’t you and Mylos go and have a look at the crossbow while I speak with Floree and Rayn.”

  The boy’s face lit up. Mylos winked at Awinta and followed him into the passageway.r />
  Awinta crossed to Mylos’ chair and pulled it closer. “Since you cannot shape shift, Floree, I have arranged for horses to take you to Tic Calag—”

  Rayn let her thoughts drift their own direction. Memories, washed out and tattered by time, came and went. Do we truly remember distant events or do we make up stories to match our needs in the moment? I had vague memories of the house. She hugged herself. Aunt Floree helped me to remember it better. I remember being happy there with Floree and Momee and Rethdun. Then, it ended…the happiness and life as I knew it. A flood of fragmented images crowded her mind. Too many— She shoved them away and opened her eyes to find Floree and Awinta watching her.

  The next two turnings flew by. Rayn and Mylos fought practice matches and shot the crossbow. Rasiana played the drums and Rayn performed the choreographed patterns of EriaCapo with her martial arts instructor. For the first time since her rescue, she relaxed her guard and enjoyed the company of others.

  Too soon, the time of parting arrived. Floree embraced her and made her promise to take care of herself. Mylos touched his heart in salute to a fellow warrior and gave her a cloth-wrapped package. “This is from Kuparak. He asked me to deliver it. He will be visiting Cimondeli soon, but wanted you to have this now.”

  “What is it?”

  He laughed. “Open it, Rayn, or you will never know.”

  She unwrapped the blue fabric covering and held up a long dagger in a leather scabbard. Withdrawing the blade, she caught her breath. “I’ve never owned my own weapon. Thank you, Mylos. Please tell Kuparak I am honored.”

  “You can tell him yourself when he comes. Use it well, daughter of Jaradee.” He bowed.

  Bowing in return, she strapped on the scabbard and slipped the blade into place.

  Floree, her expression solemn, also touched her heart. “Savior of the Eleo Preda, live long and with honor.”

  Awinta entered the common area. “Kuparak sent word. You must leave now. Rompeerial soldiers are headed for Tic Calag. It’s vital you reach the space port before they arrive.”

  Vygel strode into the enclosure. “The horses are waiting at the cliff top.”

  Everyone filed after him up the well-worn passage and emerged into the coolness of early morning. Another round of goodbyes and Floree and Mylos mounted, wheeled their horses in the direction of Tic Calag, and galloped away in a cloud of rust-colored dust.

  Heart aching, Rayn watched them go. She turned to her companions. “I need some time alone. I’ll meet you in the dining area in awhile.”

  Awinta gave her a quick hug. “Take your time.” She herded Vygel and Rasiana ahead of her into the narrow crevice serving as an entrance to and from the cliff top.

  Rayn scanned the dome. Like all tukoolo, Aquila remained outside on constant guard duty. Even after so long, she yearned to have her compeer with her.

  The rustle of wings brought a wave of delight. Aquila landed beside her. Their tether formed. They flew upward, made a wide circle, and soared in the direction Mylos and Floree had taken. The temptation to fly after them, to tell them she had changed her mind, flared and fizzled. Instead, she flew beside her compeer until the turning’s light began to fade and then landed on the cliff top and watched the sun sink below the mountains.

  Time outside the safe haven acted like salve in a wound. The ache in her heart lessened. She stood and brushed the dust from her pants. At least we spent some time together. She touched the dagger at her side. And I received a special gift.

  Rayn unsheathed the dagger and gripped the handle. A tear leaked. She touched it, then touched the blade. “No more tears until the Pheet Adole have been defeated.” Sheathing it, she hurried to join Rasiana in the dining area.

  When at last the turning waned and the sleep cycle arrived, Rayn slipped the dagger in its scabbard under her pillow and stretched out on her mat. The visit of Mylos and Floree had changed her. The ceiling blurred. Rasiana and Vygel cared about her. Katareen loved her as family. Others in the haven respected her for who she was and for her skills as a fighter. Awinta’s affection nurtured her. But Mylos and Floree were her heart family. They had helped to raise her and Rethdun and had kept them safe. Whether they stayed on El Stroma or traveled to the Inner Universe, they would always love her and she them.

  She reached under her pillow and fingered the belt buckle. A surge of emotion carried her to sitting, the scabbard in hand. Hugging it to her chest, she sat in the tomb-like silence of night in the haven and made a decision, one she had been dancing around for some time. Rightness flowed through her. Resting a hand on the dagger, she slept.

  34

  Jaradee’s Legacy

  Part 3 - Conflict

  M orning dawned outside the haven with wind in the trees and the threat of rain. Inside, members of Vasrosi stirred, preparing to begin their turning. Torches sprang to light. The smells of breakfast cooking wafted through the maze of passages.

  Rayn woke, dressed, and headed for the dining area. Sometime later, she walked into a makeshift classroom and counted heads. Twelve Vasrosi, a mix of adults and older children, awaited her arrival. She stopped in front of them and in the language of the Pheet Adole welcomed them to class. The next time-circle passed quickly. By the end, everyone could speak several short sentences, sentences designed to keep them safe were they caught by soldiers of the RomPeer.

  “Please practice until you can speak the enemy’s words without thinking. In our next class, we will learn to express more complex ideas. Be prepared to share any questions you may have when we next meet.”

  After they left, she stood in the quiet of the empty space and thought back to those first difficult moon cycles. She couldn’t help but compare the girl of thirteen who had arrived at the haven trapped in a cloak of self-imposed silence to the young woman of sixteen who comfortably entered a room full of students and took charge.

  Heading back to her alcove, she pulled the scabbard from under her pillow and sank cross-legged onto the mat. Sliding the dagger free, she balanced it on her palm and reviewed her decision of the night before, felt the correctness of it, and buckled on her weapon. It is time.

  She arrived at the entry to Awinta’s quarters to find the elder Vasrosi waiting to usher her inside.

  Awinta sank onto a chair. “I believe you have something important to say?”

  Rayn rubbed her palm along the length of the sheathed weapon. “It is time for me to join the fight against the RomPeer. I can stay hidden no longer.”

  Awinta pursed her lips. “What do you intend to do? Where do you intend to go?”

  “I will go to Chunarrie and fight for our people.”

  The Serveero’s demeanor steeled. “I believe we must be circumspect, Rayn. Lusktar Rados continues to offer a sizable reward for your capture. Your anonymity must be preserved as long as possible.”

  “I want to fight. I am ready, Awinta.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that, Rayn.” Kuparak’s imposing figure filled the entrance.

  Rayn’s stomach tightened. What if he won’t let me leave the haven?

  Awinta hurried forward. “It is good to see you, Vasrosi leader. It has been far too long since you graced the haven with your presence.”

  Kuparak took her offered hand, lifted it to his lips, and smiled his radiant smile. “You look wonderful. It is good to see you as well.” He released the hand. “Would it be possible to have a bite to eat?”

  “I’ll see what I can find. How long will you be here?”

  “Not long.”

  As soon as the Haven Serveero had gone, Rayn jumped to her feet. “I will not be held captive here, Kup. You can’t make me stay.” She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.

  Kuparak straddled a chair. “Sit down, Rayn. I did not say you had to stay at Cimondeli. However, we cannot allow you to jump into the thick of battle with no experience but the practice ring. You will not be going to Chunarrie.”

  Muttering under her breath, she slouched on her chair. “You can’t tel
l me what to do.” Arms folded across her chest, she glared beneath half-closed lids.

  Twinkling amber eyes met hers. “You remind me of your Uncle Daar at your age. Stubborn, quick-tempered…” He folded his arms and stuck out his bottom lip. “And pouty.”

  Unable to help herself, Rayn laughed. “Alright, Chunarrie is out, at least for now.” She stroked the scabbard at her hip. “Thank you for the dagger, Kuparak.”

  “Mylos tells me you fight with a dagger better than many older warriors. What made you select it as your weapon of choice?”

  She drew the blade from the sheath and turned it slowly. “I remember Momee, a Klutarse’s knife buried in her belly.” She sucked in a breath. “You were there! You killed the soldiers! You—” She shook her head in disbelief.

  “I sent you to the RomPeer. Why do you think I did so?”

  Rayn braked an angry retort and swallowed. Her quick mind checked off several reasons for his decision. One kept leapfrogging to the head of the line.

  “You knew I would be safest there.”

  “I knew an attempt to hide you would have brought the Klutarse and the Rompeerial guard down Vasrosi throats quicker than a lightning strike. I wanted you safe; and I wanted the Vasrosi to have the ability to continue its work.”

  “I understand. But how could you trust a Klutarse to take me to the RomPeer?”

  Kuparak’s features hardened into a sculpted ebony mask. “He had killed your mother. A source inside the Rompeerial guard had informed me their orders were to find and bring you, Rethdun, and your mother back alive. Lusktar Rados is an unforgiving man. The Klutarse knew my training as an Animilero. When I told him if you were hurt in any way he would slit his own throat, he did not question the truth of it.”

  “What did you do to him?”

  “When I rendered him unconscious so I could free your mother, I placed a hypnotic suggestion in his subconscious.”

  Rayn rubbed the metal tip of the scabbard. “You told me never to speak a word, didn’t you?”