by Diane Rapp
Human legs are longer than a wolf’s so you cover more ground. Amber started to enjoy the banter but the other ancestors inside Tessa’s mind felt confused. They stayed quiet. The girl felt comfortable with Amber but got agitated by a chorus of advice. They channeled necessary advice through the most familiar personality.
Tessa yielded control of her body to Amber, who stretched the stiff limbs. She balanced the body using the upright stance of humans but felt hampered by inferior human nose and ears. The girl was dressed in a dark woolen tunic, leggings, and supple leather boots.
Amber relished the sensation of cloth and leather against hairless human skin. Frail human hide needed protection against the cold wind and sharp brambles. Amber slipped down the circular staircase and opened the door of the human cave. She sniffed an icy breeze and shivered.
Tessa reminded Amber about the leather cloak hanging nearby, and Amber slung the garment over the girl’s shoulders. She drank in the scents of the night, wishing a human nose could distinguish specific odors left by creatures. A howl pierced the night, and Amber answered with a strange human voice.
She loped across human pathways on long human legs until Amber adjusted to the awkward two-legged gait. She moved the host body with speed and silence although her jerky strides failed to flow properly.
Amber pushed the body faster and felt muscles respond. She inhaled the pungent scent of crushed grass, heard the melodic tinkle of a brook as she leaped across, and felt the soft crunch of pine needles as she entered the forest.
A wolf waited in an uneasy crouch. Thunder’s tail thumped against dried leaves and a small excited whimper erupted from his throat. Amber stopped and scanned the night scene, forcing the girl’s eyes to recognize shapes.
Amber enjoyed seeing colors unavailable to wolf eyes. The red moon cast eerie light across the landscape where night blooming flowers opened petals filled with iridescent color to absorb the crimson rays. Tonight Amber wasted no time on pleasure and ignored the beauty.
Thunder moved into a patch of moonlight, leaving the safety of deep shadows. Amber detected the movement and recognized her litter brother. She barked a welcome, bounding over with the abandonment of a cub.
Thunder cringed and backed away.
Amber stopped and stared with confusion. She whined.
Remember Amber, you look human to him, Tessa said.
Amber understood. Thunder, do you not recognize your litter mate’s mind?
His ears pricked up at the familiar mental voice. Amber? We didn’t believe the story of your new hosting. He approached cautiously.
Amber folded the human’s long legs and sat in a normal canine position. Thunder, our minds are not lost. We are Amber.
Thunder barked and licked her smooth face. Amber scratched his ear, remembering how human fingers showed affection. Thunder leaned into the caress, and Amber felt his love and acceptance. She missed the warm friendship of pack life and the pleasure of howling in harmony. Water leaked from human eyes, and Amber finally understood why humans cried.
What message do you bring, Thunder? Amber asked to regain control.
We bring word from Kriegen. The Council of Elders accepted the petition for Tessa to represent the human pack as the host of the Amber line. Kriegen is pleased.
It is a great accomplishment, she said.
Kriegen summons Tessa to the pack cavern when the sky eats half of the bright moon. He glanced at the full disc in the sky, followed by its darker sister. A host must be designated for the Amber line and pack rules established.
Good, that gives us time to consult King Donovan. Any other news?
The evil one lives in the mind of his cub. Kriegen plans to trap and kill him outside of the cub’s body. Thunder shivered.
Amber understood his fear, having seen the evil one. A dangerous feat, how will it be accomplished? Amber asked.
Kriegen and Tendra will divulge the plan soon.
We will take the news to Donovan. We relish the touch of your mind, Thunder.
You’re sorely missed in the pack. Although your minds are trapped inside an ugly human, we rejoice at your mental touch. Time grows short, and we carry other messages. May your path lead to the den and your hunt secure fresh game. They touched noses and Amber used her hands to stroke him once again. Tears trickled down her naked cheeks as he departed.
What does the message mean Amber? Tessa’s mind asked.
We must travel to the pack cave and a she-wolf will volunteer to host the Amber line. She will travel as your companion at all times. Amber walked back to the castle. We wondered why a host was not designated sooner.
Do I need to go before the Council of Elders? Tessa remembered the frightening assembly of wolves at the Bloody Lake.
After you’ve received training, you’ll report to the Council of Elders. Listen to the ancestor voices explain pack law. A female seldom receives Council rights and you must swallow your fear, bare your fangs, and howl with pride when you face them.
I’ll need your help and your courage, Tessa said.
Ancestors are here to guide and comfort. As a host you will never be alone again.
I know you feel trapped inside a strange body, but you’re my friend and I love you.
Amber gave Tessa control of the body as they walked back to the castle. Council membership was an honor they shared and the prospect of adventure felt exciting. She must train the human body to overcome weaknesses and help the girl serve the pack with pride.
*****
Lance strolled through gardens bathed in moonlight as a wolf howled in the distance. He whirled when he heard a voice answer the howl from just behind him. A supple figure emerged from the bushes and walked toward him. The girl had a chiseled face and alabaster skin, framed by lustrous hair, and her brown eyes gleamed with feral intensity. She cocked her head, listening to something he couldn’t hear.
He held his breath, afraid to break a spell that held the wraith captive. She lifted her eyes and met his gaze with an unflinching stare.
“You want to ask me something?” Her voice made him start. “Or do you enjoy staring?”
“I’m sorry.” Lance lowered his gaze, embarrassed.
“It was unfair of me to chide you. Anyone might stare at a wild-looking person who materialized from the forest. I forget what strangers see.” Her voice sounded friendly, and Lance felt eager to learn more.
He said, “My name is Lance. I brought a patient to see Dr. Alexander.”
“I heard about you.” Her voice sounded musical and her expression looked mysterious. “I’m Tessa—Donovan and Krystal are my parents.”
“You’re a princess?” Shocked, Lance averted his gaze. Tessa’s melodic laugh encouraged him to look up again. A broad smile transformed her face into a beautiful goddess, and his heart thumped like a school boy. He blushed.
“Am I a disappointment?” She asked and continued down the path, moving with the lithe elegance of a wild creature.
“No.” He quickened his step to follow her along the path. “It’s just that you don’t look like a royal princess.” He noted her leather tunic and leggings.
“Good! I hate being a princess, always expected to wear stiff dresses.” She openly examined his face. His light brown hair framed a square face and hazel eyes against dark olive skin. He looked like a lumbering giant with exaggerated hands, face, and feet, yet he moved with the grace of a confident athlete. Such a broad face usually held a dull expression, like one of her father’s guards, but intelligent eyes peered out from under heavy brows.
“How’d you become a healer?” she asked.
His mouth curled into a shy grin and his eyes danced with merriment. “It’s my grandpa’s fault.”
Tessa basked in the warmth of his voice and decided he seemed gentle.
“Grandpa was a legendary healer, and I often travelled as his helpmate. He used herbs and potions to cure most anything. I often watched while he patched up wounds using a thread and needle. A man got his e
ar bit off in a fight and Grandpa stitched it back on, quick as you please. Grandma claimed his tiny stitches were better than hers. Folks flocked to get Grandpa’s help, and after he died, I kept traveling his circuit. You could say I inherited my vocation.”
Evidently Lance enjoyed talking and Tessa loved hearing the lilt of his country accent.
“Sounds like an interesting man,” she said.
“He was my hero, and Dr. Alexander reminds me of him. They didn’t look alike, but they’re cut from the same cloth.”
“Can you feel people’s sickness?” Tessa asked and stopped short.
He almost stumbled into her but managed to avoid touching the princess. “You mean feel sickness through my hands, like Dr. Alexander? No, I just have an instinct about what ails folks. Grandpa claimed I had the gift, so maybe it’s the same thing.”
“Can I touch your hands?” She gazed up into his eyes and the moon formed shimmering pools that drew him in.
“Sure.” Lance held out his large hands, palms up, and Tessa lightly touched his fingertips. Energy flowed into his fingers. Lance jerked his hands away, rubbing them with concern.
She laughed again, and Lance felt enslaved by the lyrical sound. “Your Grandpa was right; you have the gift and should learn to use it.”
“How do you know?” He examined his tingling fingers, resisting the urge to shake the feeling away.
“Lauryn’s hands feel like yours when I touch her. She’s my sister and a healer. Chella raised her in a convent and taught her to use her energy to heal.”
Lance looked troubled as he whispered, “Folks call that sorcery.”
Tessa grinned. “Folks don’t understand special talents. You inherited the talent to heal and should learn to use it properly.”
“How?”
“Chella could teach you the basics. I’ll introduce you, but I’d better get inside before they send a search party out. Will I see you at the ball?”
“The ball?” He suddenly felt like a dolt, repeating her every statement, and he blushed.
“Yes, it will be ever so much fun, especially the entertainment we’ve scheduled.” Tessa grinned as if she knew a private joke.
“I’d love to attend,” he stammered.
“Good, I’ll save you a dance.” Tessa waved and ran through a door to the royal tower.
Lance watched, fascinated. She ran like a wild creature with graceful, fluid movement. He rubbed his fingertips, still tingling from the energy passed from Tessa’s hands. He felt attracted to her but knew he couldn’t woo a princess. She wasn’t meant for the likes of him.
*****
That evening Lauryn rode into camp, but her appearance failed to surprise Dr. Alexander. “I knew they couldn’t keep you away,” he said as she dismounted.
“No. I go where I’m needed.”
“Andrew,” the doctor called, “as we expected, Lauryn arrived in time for dinner.”
Andrew grinned at the doctor’s matter-of-fact tone. “I prepared an extra plate, and you’ll find your bedroll on the mule.”
“Thanks. I can always count on you.” She glanced at Dr. Alexander. “You wouldn’t keep me hidden away inside the castle, would you doctor?”
He frowned. “I argued in favor of you coming on this journey but Donovan refused.”
Lauryn’s blue eyes flashed with anger. “I faced danger before and won’t be left out when medical discoveries include risk.”
Dr. Alexander held up his hands. “I surrender, girl!” Lauryn laughed and Dr. Alexander relaxed at the musical sound. He said, “I’m grateful you can lend a hand. Welcome to the team, my dear.”
She examined the camp. “What team? I just see two people.”
“Maggie and Trenton plan to join us near the spaceport where we’ll wait for Salizar and Tamarind’s caravan.”
“Tamarind!” Lauryn said the name with disgust. “Perhaps I should’ve listened to my father after all. That woman’s impossible!”
“It’s still not too late, Lauryn. You could return from the spaceport with the guards who accompany her to the border. Indeed, they might have orders from Donovan to bring you back.”
Lauryn smirked. “I’d like to see them try! I won’t be treated like a pampered princess.”
Andrew cast a glance at Lauryn. No one called Lauryn pampered. Ladies at court frowned at her independence but Andrew admired it. She refused to dress in fancy lace and jewels, like Catherine. Lauryn’s wardrobe was sensible, almost plain, but she looked elegant in anything.
Lauryn warmed her feet at the fire. She wore faded breeches, an oversized shirt and leather vest. Her cropped blond hair stopped in a blunt line at her chin, and a wispy fringe of bangs framed topaz blue eyes. A scattering of freckles across tanned cheeks looked unfashionable, but her face enchanted anyone when she smiled.
Image of Lauryn
Lauryn brushed off her dusty hands and said, “It’s time I turned in.” She unpacked her own saddle, spread a sleeping bag near the fire, and let her horse loose to graze.
“You’re mighty trusting to let a horse graze without hobbles,” Andrew said.
Lauryn smiled. “Felesia taught me how to touch his mind, so we’re friends. He won’t leave me.”
“Tempest’s my friend, but if he catches the scent of something interesting, he’s off like a shot. I’m hard pressed to catch him on an ordinary horse.”
“I’ll teach you to speak with his mind.”
“Do you think I could learn?” Andrew looked eager.
“I’m sure you already make mental contact with your horses on some level.”
Andrew gazed lovingly at Tempest. “I’d give anything to hear his mind.”
“We’ll work on it during this trip. Good night.”
*****
The next morning Maggie greeted Dr. Alexander and Lauryn with hugs, while Trenton flashed Lauryn a mischievous grin. “Are you traveling in disguise?” he asked.
“I learn from the best, Uncle.” Lauryn grinned.
“Let me judge your get up.” Trenton walked slowly around her. “Loosen the belt and let your pants ride lower. Scuff your boots. Wear a neck scarf, since no lad rides in the desert without one. Your hat’s too feminine. Take this one and cock it forward to hide your eyes in the shadow of the brim. Good, you might fool someone if you don’t talk.”
Lauryn smiled. “I plan to grunt, just like you.”
“For heaven’s sake, don’t smile!” Trenton groaned, “If a desert rider sees you smile, you’ll get hauled to one of their blasted harems. They’ve a taste for tender young girls.”
Lauryn felt Trenton’s fear and understood the danger. “I’ll stay as somber as a judge,” she assured him. “What about Maggie? Isn’t she’s fair game?”
Trenton frowned. “Maggie plans to join the ranks of the Samurai women. My poor body’s bruised from head to toe from practicing unarmed combat with her, and she’s right good with a short sword.”
Maggie patted the blade in her belt. “Bruises heal. I can’t pass for a man with my stout figure, and desert men fear Samurai women. I have an edge.”
Trenton grinned. “I won’t argue while you carry that pig sticker!” He pretended to cringe and Lauryn giggled. Trenton glared. “Under NO circumstances utter that blatantly feminine sound!” he shouted. “Act like a man or go home.”
Lauryn swallowed and nodded. Trenton never sounded so harsh and she worried. “Okay. What would a boy do?”
“He’d muffle a low laugh, grin with his head bent. I don’t mean to be tough, but desert riders guard that blasted princess, and Donovan gave me strict orders. If you can’t cut it, I’ll send you back with the castle escort.”
Lauryn looked solemn. “I’ll do everything you say, but give me a chance to be part of the mission.”
“Mimic Andrew’s every move. See how he stands? His feet apart, his shoulders thrown back, and his thumbs hooked into his belt? You’ve got two days before Tamarind arrives, so practice! If you don’t pass inspection by
then, you’ll go back.”
Tears threatened but Lauryn pursed her lips and nodded, afraid to speak until she sounded more like a boy.
Trenton grinned. “You’re Krystal’s daughter, so you can do anything you decide.” He looked at his companions and gestured at Lauryn. “I’d like to introduce you all to my nephew Lawrence. He pulls his own weight, so don’t offer any help. Remember, his very life depends on how you treat him.”
Lauryn hooked her thumbs into the belt like Andrew and stood like a boy. It was smart to use a name that resembled hers. If anyone made a mistake, they could make it sound nearly right. She prayed she could pull off the disguise.
9 ~ FELESIA’S REQUEST
Felesia and Jordan held hands and strolled through the quiet forest. The large panther, Marra, stalked prey nearby, and Arrow, the hawk soared overhead. The humans enjoyed the peace of the forest. A loud squawk and crackle of breaking limbs shattered the quiet as a dragon tumbled onto the ground.
She frowned and scolded, “Flash, you can’t land on tree limbs like a hawk. You’re too heavy for a thin branch.” The dragon shook her wings and looked forlorn. She stretched a sinuous neck toward Jordan and he scratched her eye ridges. Soon Felesia held her sides as laughter rang through the forest. Flash crowed and strutted through the trees with her friends.
Marra dug her claws into the turf and stretched her lanky body as the humans made strange noises. Arrow swooped down, worried about the ailment that afflicted her friends. The mongoose, Killer, drug a snake up to Felesia and squeaked.
The queer expressions on the animals’ faces made Felesia and Jordan giggle until tears streamed down their cheeks. Felesia threw leaves at Jordan and he reciprocated. Eager to enjoy the game, Marra rolled through leaves, batting her paws at the humans. Flash opened her wings and displayed swirls of brilliant color.
“This is so much fun!” Felesia sighed as she gained a measure of control and lay gazing at the sky through a lacy pattern of leaves.
