by Mari Collier
“Quick, have the Master Keepers do a count of the kine: now!” The technician could not see the anger in Rocella's voice, but he could hear it.
Chapter 26: LouElla
LouElla was reorganizing Flight. Lamar helped her locate instructors, the buildings once used for manufacturing the war vessels, and was polling the Houses and Don's elite to find the needed students. He was outraged when Llewellyn refused to consider Ribdan, Ravin's and Rollie's younger as the Director of Flight.
“He kens how to pilot our vessels.”
“Nay favors are granted to Rurhran till our beasties are returned.”
LouElla, of course, agreed with Llewellyn, and Lamar was left a baffled man. He could not remonstrate against Llewellyn's decision for LouElla as Guardian had the final say. Lamar stood and bowed before leaving the room.
“Ye are having much better luck locating instructors for Flight than I have been for the schools in Donnick, Mither. Why would their elders consider their children ready for Flight without an education?”
“I dinna.”
Llewellyn stood. “I have another problem. There tis nay armor vests or clothing in any of the storage areas. I was hoping to outfit Don's enforcers. Are there any records of what was done with Flight's armor?”
“Aye, the Sisters took any the Justines did nay destroy.”
“That tis worrisome. After Beltayne, I agree with Lorenz. The Sisters will attack. We need armor. Tis it possible that Ayran would have some?”
“Aye, but I am the one that should go see her. She seems a bit cool to the rest of Don.”
The com came to life.
“Maca, tis a call from Ravin, Maca of Rurhran.”
Llewellyn brought the screen up and smiled at the angry Ravin.
“Your laddie with the help of your Directors has stolen Rurhran's kine again. There were two air combos here last eve.”
“My dear Ravin, that tis nay possible. The kine are Don's, nay Rurhran's.” Llewellyn's smiled broadened. “Your delay in delivering them simply meant that we needed to collect them.”
“I will file charges at the next Council of the Realm.” Ravin's face disappeared.
“I shall go see Jolene now. Tis already past the working hours and a good time to visit. Nay will suspect the purpose. I will let ye ken what develops.” Both stood and embraced before she left.
LouElla requested permission to enter Ayran for a visit as she neared land. The Keeper of the Watch transferred her to Jolene.
“My head tis spinning with details, Jolene. I have brought the brew as I need to relax and there tis nay ready to relax in Don.”
“Don tis nay welcomed here till your younger apologizes for bringing up such a hurtful subject.”
“Jolene, I was nay aware of this.”
Jolene's voice snapped out. “And right now Don needs friends. Rumor has it that Rurhran is so upset about losing seventeen hundred kine in one night that they are plotting to forestall any implementation of the old Thalian rule. There are also rumors that the Sisters feel they can attack and nay will help.”
“Jolene, we should have been sisters-by-Walking the Circle. I owe ye much for your honesty. Lorenz will ken how deeply he has hurt ye.”
She turned the fliv towards the Laird's and Lady's Station. Jolene, she kenned would nay negotiate if she were in an uproar over some ill chosen words spoken by Lorenz.
* * *
The lessons were in full swing when Lorenz heard the beeping from the console. “Now what?”
He swiveled in his chair and brought up the audio and viewer. LouElla's face appeared.
“Lorenz, we need to talk. I'm landing on the padport out by the pond. Meet me there.” The screen went blank.
“Carry on, boys. I'll be back in a minute.”
Lorenz went through what he would have called a great room and people back home had started to call a family room. Thalian comfort chairs and small tables were scattered around and colorful blue, black, and white pads were stacked by a table. He let himself out the wide doors and met LouElla walking up the path.
LouElla was dressed in the formal black uniform of Flight, the sleeves wider than usual and a satin like sash of black enclosed the waist. Lorenz smiled, and reached out his arms for the ritual greeting.
“Hullo, Grandmère,” he said and kissed her on the cheek. “What's so important that we can't talk inside?”
“What did ye say to the Guardian of Ayran to upset her?” LouElla's anger had evaporated with his kiss. He had taken her sorrow when still a laddie and his eyes always lit at the sight of her.
“I tried to determine if she wanted her grandson or if it was all right if he stayed with me. She practically spat at me for saying her lassie had conceived, let alone carried a child. It seems Thalians are a little less enthused about their own than Papa told me. Is she complaining to Lamar?”
“Nay, I've heard she has armored vests, clothing, and possibly weapons stored. Ye must attempt to put Don back in her good graces.”
“How much trust do y'all put in rumors?”
“Enough truth tis spread in Thalia through gossip that tis best nay to ignore it. Raven tis plotting revenge. I was on my way to cajole Jolene into trading armor for beef with us when she refused permission to land.
Lorenz leaned back and lit a cigarette. “Y'all can't make peace with Jolene?”
“Nay, it must be ye.”
“Maybe there's another way. I'll never forget that day Papa took me to see the Golden One for the first time. I was fifteen when I saw that ship, and I wanted to run. Things got worse. He turned on the viewscreen and audio, I would have run except my legs wouldn't have held me up.
“Then all those strange beings appeared. At least the Thalians looked like us, except y'all sure didn't look like my idea of grandmother. I could feel empathy for Lamar when it showed what the Justines had done to him. Next was a Thalian male right after he won in the arena. I've never forgotten that face. It had to be the most brutal, killer's face I'd ever seen in my life. The Comancheros didn't compare to him. Now I'm seeing that face again. It belongs to one of the kids sitting right in the communications room.”
LouElla's eyes narrowed. “Are ye trying to say he looks like Jason? That tis nay possible. Jason's vessel was pulverized and the pieces scattered into space.”
“I'm not saying he's Jason's child, or that Jason survived the battle. I'm saying there's a kid in there that looks exactly like him. He has to be Ayran.”
“Which means what? That Jason fathered someone before the battle?”
“No, remember I looked so much like my Uncle Kasper that no one bothered disputing the fact that I was Papa's stepson. The only thing that saved Daniel from being loaded with buckshot from Tante Gerde or Mama was the fact he looked even more like Uncle. Ur could be Jolene's son.”
“And why would the Guardian of Ayran nay have acknowledged him or named him Maca?”
“That's your call. For that matter, why hasn't she named the daughter with her as Maca?”
“That tis another problem with your theory. Thalians canna birth that quickly. There tis always a period of at least twenty-four years between births.”
“Y'all know Thalians better than I do. I do know he looks like Jason and the Sisters don't have him. They couldn't condemn him to Ayran as an Ab if he's already running around pretending to be part Ab. Thalians don't really look at an Ab. It's like an 1880's Texan saying all Mexicans look alike. Maybe she figured he'd be safer that way. House might recognize him as a look-a-like, but Abs and Tris wouldn't remember Jason.”
“Why did she nay claim him that first night when all of the Abs were at the Guardians Council?”
“He wasn't there. He was hiding from Martin. Since Jolene's so angry with me, why don't y'all take him back and use him to trade for armor. I don't see the point of clunking around in armor though.”
“Tis nay armor like knights wore. Tis a cloth-like material woven from the refined ore deep within Ayran. It wards off
the low fire from a stunner and will protect one from the first blast of a stunner set on high. Tis the protection that our Don Enforcers and any Don that assists will need.”
Lorenz snubbed out his cigarette. “Want to take a look at this young man before y'all make up your mind?”
“Aye, if he tis as ye say, we will take him back tomorrow, but Llewellyn will go with us.”
“Will he be back? He's courting Brenda and he stays overnight.” Lorenz opened the door and they walked towards the communications room.
“Do ye object?”
“Why would I? Mama's been dead for almost eighty years.”
Lorenz touched the pad with his finger and the door slid open to reveal Daniel chewing on his stylist and frowning at the screen. Pillar and Ur were busy working out more complex math problems and trying to help Kali with his. They all looked up when the two entered and then jumped to their feet, clasped their hands behind their backs and bowed.
Lorenz shook his head. “At ease, men, this isn't an inspection.”
LouElla took three steps and Ur found himself lifted from the floor and the greatest warrior of Thalia enfolding him in her arms.
“Dear Gar, ye are a magnificent laddie.”
Fear, resignation, then pride swept through Ur. LouElla had recognized his true worth and he laid his head on both shoulders.
LouElla did not loosen her grip when she returned Ur to the floor. “Ye were right, Lorenz, Jolene should nay have rejected her younger.”
“Uh, Grandmère, he isn't the Handmaiden's laddie. That would be Pillar; the tallest of the four.”
LouElla looked in Pillar's direction as Lorenz pointed at him.
“Perhaps he is the cleverest one here. Daniel and Ur have two things in common. They both want to be in Flight as Warriors. Kahli hasn't decided yet.
“Pillar feels I should have waited with naming as I'm supposed to have the Maca's blessing to do so.”
“Well, aye, tis true, but I'm nay going into that this eve. Tomorrow we all visit Jolene, except for Daniel and the other one. The Director of the Laird's Home may watch them.
“This one,” she nodded at Ur, “goes home with me and will be dressed in a Warrior's outfit or Don's blue.
“Ye are also to have him,” she pointed at Pillar, “with a Don's House sash.”
“Why?”
“Because if Jolene does nay wish him, he stays here.”
“Y'all really need me along?”
“Aye, nay to apologize, but as Laird.”
“Doesn't Council have to rule on that first?”
“Bah! Ye are Llewellyn's laddie.” She squared her shoulders. “That makes ye Laird and it will serve as a reminder to Jolene. Be at the Maca's Headquarters by nine a.m.”
Chapter 27: The Exchange
Llewellyn and LouElla were seated in the front of the cairt. Ur, dressed in Don's colors, and Pillar, in the Don's Tri's with the dark blue sash. They were in the back and both were grimed-faced. Pillar because he kenned his elder mither would nay acknowledge him, and Ur because he wasn't certain what would happen.
He had tried a variety of arguments, but LouElla had snapped, “Get dressed!”
Ur desperately wanted to be known as a Warrior. He realized that he could posture all he wanted and declare he was a Warrior, but until he was in Flight or won in the Arena all his shouting would convince nay.
Daniel had protested at being left at the Station. Lorenz had ignored him and dropped him off to be with Kit and Kali with the admonition, “Put him to work. There will be extra brew for y'all this evening.” He had renamed them under the premise she'd work twice as hard to earn that lease if she knew he was serious.
The sprawling complex of Ayran's Maca's residence came into view. It set on the edge of Ayran's main city and backed up against an old mine, proclaiming to all Thalia that this was the source of their wealth. Ayran's red color gleamed from every window, from the rounded domed roofs, and Lorenz swore the padports looked like tarmac made from rubies. Rose-crystallized light from below was gleaming against the grey gloom of the over-cast skies.
Llewellyn used the com when they crossed the border, and Jolene's voice came on.
“Who tis with ye, Maca of Don?”
“My mither, my laddie, who has words to say to ye, and two laddies ye need to see.”
“If this concerns what your laddie said to me, Don tis nay welcome.”
“I believe this can be a profitable visit for us all. Why nay hear us out before ye leap to judgement? Tis a curse among Thalians. We battle, then we think. Will ye listen to our words as there are things Ayran possesses that we need to purchase.”
Jolene's voice became harsh. “Ye may land, but if I dinna like who emerges, I will order my guards to arrest that one. It will make any bargaining dear to ye.” She slapped the circle and marched towards the front, her shoulders straight, and her long hair swinging. She had defied the Justines with her long hair and now defied the Sisters.
She paused at the front to watch through the viewer. Her guards were out in a semi-circle, weapons ready, waiting for her command. If the Laird was up to his tricks, she'd toss all of them in the mines.
LouElla, the Maca of Don, and Lorenz stepped down from the cairt, and then she saw a blocky laddie emerge from behind the Maca. For a moment Jolene was stunned. How dare they dress him in Don's blue? Her voice wouldn't function and her guards raised their weapons. Jolene ran out the door, hair and long red side skirts flowing behind her. As she drew along the first guard, she bowled the man over and screeched at the rest.
“Ye fools, put down your weapons!”
Ur was staring at her stupidly, his arms at his side, not sure whether this was a welcome or rejection, and then he saw her wide opened arms and raised his arms in time for her to grasp him under his arms and pull him into her.
Jolene was murmuring, “My laddie, my laddie,” while running her hands through his hair, over his arms and back, not caring whether the greeting was proper. She kept a firm grip on him and looked at the other four.
“Ye will excuse us.” She looked at the guards and retainers staring at her with their mouths agape. “Show them to the east garden and provide them with brew.”
She turned back to the visitors. “I will attend ye directly.”
Without another word, she carried Ur through the massive stone doors and into her chamber. “Ye, into the shower and I will order your clothes.” She pulled him close again to reassure herself that he, her laddie, was here and safe.
Jolene released him and bellowed into her room com. “Bring me Jason's clothes from when he was a laddie of sixteen and dinna forget the sash.” She paced the room until a naked Ur emerged from the cleansing room, his hair fluffed by the dry blowing air. He grinned at her.
“Ye are impudent.” Jolene smiled back and swept him into her arms again. “Where were ye the day the Maca landed? I could nay find ye.”
Ur buried his head on her shoulder. “I stayed outside. The Council tis boring and Martin tis detestable. I dinna why he does nay die.”
The knock on the door put Jolene into action. She slid the door open and took the clothes. “What size boot do ye wear, Jarvis?”
Ur smiled, the gap in his teeth showing. “I have nay idea, Mither. Abs are lucky to even have shoes.”
“Send someone to bring me several pairs of boots for someone about five feet, eleven inches.” Jolene snapped at the keeper at the door. “This tis our Maca, Jarvis, and he will be properly clad.”
She watched the re-named Ur pull on his clothes. “I am so proud of ye, my wee one. Ye survived as I kenned ye would and the Sisters dinna have ye.”
“Aye, Mither, but they will try to destroy all male Macas if they can. Don must win this fight.”
He finished pulling on the last of the clothes, stood, and turned around for her, his smile showing the gaps between the wide teeth. The red material outlined every muscle he possessed. Jolene eyed him critically.
“I do believe
ye will be even more magnificent than Jason.” She smiled at him and tied on the scarlet sash.
“Why were ye at Don? And how were ye recognized?”
“The Laird took pity on me when I was running from the Sisters and offered me work even though Laten warned him I might nay be eld enough.”
“Thank Gar for the Laird, continue. Who recognized ye? Lamar?”
“Nay, it was LouElla, but mayhap the Laird. I dinna ken how as he nay saw Jason.”
Jolene had her hands on his shoulders and was studying his face. “Did he use his mind on ye?”
“I dinna think so. I have nay had a headache. That's what happens when a Justine does that, isn't it, Mither?”
“Aye.” She grew thoughtful. “Why tis that other laddie along? The one the Laird claims tis my lassie's.” She snorted.
“Because he tis the Handmaiden's laddie.”
“How? She does nay bed anyone.”
“She was forced by a land Ab that did nay care that she was the Handmaiden.”
“And who told ye that?”
“Tis common knowledge to the Abs and Tris.” Jarvis shrugged.
Once again the discreet knock and Jolene allowed the keeper in long enough to deposit several pairs of boots made of the softest leather.
Jason nay lacked for clothes, thought Jarvis as he tried different pairs and selected three that fit.
Jolene's face was troubled. “I dinna want another one of Ayran's House living as an Ab, but if we keep him, some may claim he tis the rightful Maca or Laird. Tis best we send him back to Don.”
Jarvis stood. “Nay, Mither, the Laird tis right about Pillar being clever. The Laird renamed him as Pillar and Ka as Kahli, but will claim Wee Da as his own.” He was still bitter over not having been selected by the Laird for this honor and bitterness had crept into his voice.
“When LouElla was over last eve, the Laird said Pillar tis clever. If so, tis better that we have him. I may need him someday when ye are gone.” He deliberately left out that the Laird had declared Pillar the cleverest.
She looked at him. “Are ye planning on your Mither dying so soon?”
