She took a step and pitched forward. Tristan caught her, feeling her body shake. He put his arms round her, pulling her close. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to freeze you to death.”
Without acknowledging his apology she pulled the towel tighter and snuggled against him. Wet hair covered her face as she shivered. Tristan gently brushed it aside with his fingers. He noticed she smelt slightly of an exotic musky spice. A warm flush stirred in him, spreading down his body. He tried not to think of her naked beneath the towel, but it made things worse. The uncontrolled shivering subsided and Aesia pulled away from him, a faint smile played on her lips. Realisation dawned: good God, she knows what I’m thinking! He imagined the brick wall.
He tried to cover his confusion. “Sit by the fire and I will get a small towel so you can dry your hair.” She shook her head, not understanding what he had said, so he led her to the lounge and sat her by the fire. “Stay there.” He ran back upstairs and took a hand towel, then returned, taking her small computer out of her wet jeans on the way back so she could understand what he said.
She took the towel and computer with a smile and proceeded to dry her hair. He went into the kitchen and made her a warm drink. She cupped the drink in her hands and sipped slowly. Tristan asked her whether she would like a warm bath. She nodded once her computer had translated it for her. He left her by the fire and went upstairs, relieved to get away.
She had let the bath towel slip, revealing rather too much of her body. He turned on the cold water tap first and splashed some on his face before turning on the hot for her bath. When it was ready he laid out more dry towels and the last of Sarah’s clothes. He leaned over the banister and called her up. He stood on the landing out of the way as she climbed the stairs. She let the towel slip, turned and smiled at him before stepping into the bathroom and closing the door. He let out a ragged sigh and left her alone. Later, he went upstairs and found her sound asleep in the bed. He tidied the bathroom and returned to the lounge.
He sat gazing at the flames as they danced around the last log he had put on the fire. She had let the towel slip provocatively while she had sat drying her hair and again as she had walked into the bathroom. Tristan knew she had done it deliberately, but why? “She is arrogant, unpleasant, bad tempered and an alien, for God’s sake, Tristan!” He shook his head. Think of something else! He tried occupying himself, making up his bed on the settee. There was something about her, a kind of magnetism that attracted him, and those eyes! For a brief moment, he had actually wanted her!
The following morning it had stopped raining. The sun shining through the trees made dappled patterns on the curtains; it would be a pleasant day. The alien, still asleep upstairs, impinged on his thoughts so he shut her out of his mind and busied himself tidying up his bed and preparing breakfast.
Aesia heard Tristan moving around downstairs. The morning sun was streaming through the window as she pulled the covers around her and stretched. Sleep had refreshed her, leaving her warm and comfortable compared to how cold she had been the night before. She played the events over in her mind. The creature down stairs was annoying, savage, and it needed to realise that she was a Sicceian, the master species, superior to all species in the Galaxy.
But, it had displayed a weakness she could exploit; last night had not been a total disaster. She had a way to get this creature under control.
She had remembered a pet she’d had as a child. The creature was devoted to her although she was cruel to it at times. It followed her around, and she knew it would do anything for her without question. The creature downstairs was no different.
Last night, when it had walked down the stairs with the towel, it saw her standing naked. She had been taken aback by its momentary unguarded emotions, the way it had stared; the filthy creature was attracted to her! She shivered at the thought. But, it was a weakness she knew how to exploit. She had deliberately let the towel slip while drying her hair to see the effect, and although the creature had blocked off its mind she knew it had worked. The stupid savage was so obvious! Soon, it would be eating out of her hand!
She dressed and walked downstairs. As she walked into the kitchen Tristan looked round. She smiled. “Good Morning.”
He hesitated for a moment before replying. “Hello, how are you today? Have you recovered from last night?”
Aesia tensed, holding her arms down beside her as she fought the urge to slap the impertinent creature. Last night was, after all, its fault! She waited for the correct response from the computer. “I slept well, thank you. I feel much refreshed.”
The creature seemed satisfied with her response. Aesia shuddered; this was not going to be easy.
“Are you still cold?”
“No!” She hesitated. “Thank you for your concern.”
When breakfast was finished, Tristan said, “OK, as you have calmed down and seem in a friendlier mood, I will take you to Exeter. There will be plenty of hustle and bustle so you won’t be noticed as long as you wear sunglasses and a hat to hide your ears.” He paused. “And do exactly as I say.”
She inclined her head. “Yes, of course. Thank you.”
“I will go and see what I can find, maybe Sarah left something.”
“Sarah is your female?”
“No, not anymore.”
Tristan noticed a frown cross her brow, but only for a moment. He turned and went upstairs, with a strong suspicion she was up to something. He rummaged about and found a sweat band to hold her ears and a woollen hat to hide them. He found a pair of old sunglasses in the dressing table drawer that Sarah had left.
He returned to the kitchen and held them out to her. She turned the items over in her hands before trying them on; the disguise worked well. With her almost white hair, fair skin, and the strange accent, Tristan thought she would pass as Scandinavian if anyone asked.
He had a good idea why she wanted to explore, but as Exeter was not a military establishment what harm could there be showing her around? A risk, of course, but if they were careful and Aesia did as she was told? He could not think of a reason not to take her.
When she was ready, he led her round to his old Land Rover and opened the door for her. She climbed in and sat quietly. He walked round to the driver’s side and got in. He turned to her and told her she had to put her seat belt on. She was not sure what he meant, so he leaned across and showed her. Aesia actually surprised herself, she did not shudder as he helped her with the belt. Once she was strapped in, Tristan reached to start the engine when he suddenly had a thought. “What is your name?”
She smiled at him. “Aesia.”
Tristan repeated it. “Aesia.” At least it is easy to pronounce.
She nodded. “What is yours?”
“Tristan.”
Chapter Four: Exeter
Tristan turned a key then pushed a large green button. A cranking noise followed by a loud roar filled the cabin. Aesia grabbed her seat tightly as the noise subsided to a steady rumble. Tristan pushed a long vibrating leaver forward with loud crunch. Aesia gasped as the vehicle lurched forward, bumping over Tristan’s pot holed drive then out to the long dirt track that ran in front of his house.
After about half a mile they reached a small narrow lane. Aesia sat in silence, she found it almost impossible to believe such a machine existed. Once they had driven onto the lane, the lurching and bouncing abated a little. She turned to Tristan and shouted above the rattling roar of the engine. “How does this machine work?”
Tristan smiled lent forward and patted an odd green console containing two simple round dials. “This is not just a machine, this is a Series two Land Rover. Her name is Dahlia, my trusty steed.”
Aesia regarded him for a moment and shook her head. “This is a rudimentary, noisy, and primitive machine how can it be a trusty steed?”
Tristan laughed.
“Why do you laugh?”
Tristan glanced at her. “So you know about laughter?”
Aesia nodded. “Yes.”
She paused and took a breath. “I will ask again. How does this machine work?”
“OK, this machine… Dahlia, is powered by an internal combustion engine.” He tied to explain to her how the engine functioned. Her translation computer had some difficulty with the concepts, and Tristan was not convinced she understood.
“Why do you name this vehicle?”
“Well, because she is cantankerous, awkward, and often fails to start, but I love her.” He patted the console in front of him again gently. “Dahlia, meet Aesia.”
Aesia raised and eyebrow, shook her head then turned and watched the road ahead, muttering under her breath.
They passed through the village of Holne, then Buckfast, before joining the main road to Exeter.
Tristan drove into the town centre and parked in one of the main car parks.
They sat for a moment in the silence. Aesia sighed. “The country we went through reminded me of my home.”
“Do you get home often?”
She shook her head. “No, it will be many years before I can go home.”
She released the seatbelt and pulled the door catch. Tristan shrugged, got out and slammed the door. He walked round to help her, but she had already stepped out. She stood waiting for him and didn’t flinch while he checked her hat and sunglasses.
“Right, you’ll do. Come on.”
She followed him down a side road then along the street to the main shopping centre. They stepped out into a large wide precinct with shops either side. There were people everywhere hurrying about their business, children running, mothers with pushchairs loaded with shopping, couples wondering arm in arm; a whole cross section of a normal busy British city.
Aesia stopped dead and gasped. “I have never seen anything like this before!”
Tristan smiled. “OK, this way.” He led her past the shops to a large department store. Progress was slow because she wanted to examine each shop window in turn. Tristan smiled to himself. What is it with women and shopping? She came from a completely different planet, and yet he might just as well have been with Sarah. They had drawn level with the main entrance of a large store when an ambulance drove past and started its siren as it drew level with them. Aesia jumped and involuntarily clutched at Tristan’s arm. After the vehicle had passed, she pulled away, her face flushed.
Tristan smiled at her.
She clenched her fists by her sides and glared back. “I should like to go into this shop…” Tristan coughed. “Please.” She added hastily.
“I know of one where they have private cubicles so you can try things on if you want to. You should think of some sensible clothes. The ones you have on are too big.” She looked down at herself and nodded.
Tristan led her to the one shop he remembered had the separate changing rooms, with a member of staff by a counter at the end of the cubicles. She could choose what she wanted and try them on without being seen by anyone. First, she chose some jeans and blouses; the pile at the counter quickly grew. Once she had chosen what she wanted Tristan paid. She changed into the new clothes, and they left the store.
“Well you certainly gave my card a bashing.”
“Card?”
“Yes, my credit card - how we pay for goods we buy”
“Oh.” She caught Tristan looking at her and forced a smile. They passed several restaurants where people sat at tables eating. “I’m getting hungry, Tristan.”
“OK what do you like to eat?”
“I don’t care. Anything.”
“Right, I know just the place.”
She nodded and said nothing. Tristan took her hand. “This way.” Her skin tingled at his touch. She pulled her hand away.
Tristan shrugged. “Sorry.”
He had chosen a small restaurant with private tables between high backed benches. He led her to the back, where the low light would hide them. Tristan thought it safe for Aesia to remove her sunglasses. The waitress sauntered over with only a cursory glance at Aesia; she asked what she could get them. Tristan chose, hoping Aesia would like it.
She sat quiet watching. Once the waitress had delivered the meal she inspected the food, tasting everything in turn, including what was on Tristan’s plate.
When she had finished, Aesia wanted to explore further. They spent nearly all day in the town, with only one old lady remarking on Aesia’s skin colour and were did she come from. Tristan told the lady that she originated from Finland. The old lady walked away satisfied. Once dusk began to fall the younger night time revellers started to fill the town centre.
“Right, it’s time we left.”
Aesia frowned. “Why?”
“Because time is getting on and I don’t want to push our luck too far.”
She took one last look around the crowded square, then with a shrug said, “all right, let’s go.”
They started for the car park. Aesia, satisfied with how the day had gone, found it an effort not to skip back to the car. She had deliberately been pleasant to him all day, although he sometimes became far too familiar. Still, she had made sure the clothes she had chosen showed off her figure. She had even moved close to him at times and allowed eye contact. She turned and smiled at Tristan, confident her brilliant plan to control him would soon be complete.
As they walked back to the car, Tristan stopped to tie one of his laces. After ensuring both laces were tight, Tristan looked up and sighed; she had continued walking and had drawn level with a group of youths hanging around outside a small fish and chip shop. One of the youths whistled and gestured at her. A normal person would have walked on by, ignoring them. Aesia stopped and turned towards the speaker clenching her fists.
“Oh for God’s sake!” Tristan started to run to her but too late, she lashed out. The youth never had a chance; he was flat on his back. The group stood stunned for a moment, looking from the slim girl to the winded lout on the pavement.
Tristan skidded to a halt beside Aesia as, shouting obscenities, the youths threw themselves at them. A flash of silver and Tristan felt his heart miss a beat; they had knives! No longer a brawl; they were fighting for their lives.
Tristan sidestepped as two of them lunged at him simultaneously. He dropped slightly and with a swinging kick, sent one of them flying. The other twisted away then swung forward. Tristan caught his wrist, avoiding the lunging blade and twisted; he felt the snap as his opponent screamed, his shoulder dislocated.
He stood to the left and behind Aesia. He glanced round as one burly youth made a lunge at her back with a knife, as she dealt with another. Tristan, wrong footed had no option but to throw himself forward. He felt burning pain in his right side as he jabbed the youth with a chop across his neck. The youth gasped and coughed. The ones left standing turned and ran.
“You all right, mate?”
A large fat man in a greasy apron stood at the door of the Chippy.
Tristan nodded. “Yes, OK.”
“They’re nothin’ but a bloody nuance them kids hanging round ‘ere all the time, ‘bout time someone saw ‘em off. Your girlfriend here can sure move fast.” He smiled. “Thanks by the way. I’ll phone the cops; they can deal with them. Better get along.” He turned back to his shop.
Tristan reached down and pulled the knife out. He gritted his teeth against the fire in his side; he did not want to show he had been injured.
Aesia stood looking up the street at the backs of the fleeing youths breathing hard. She turned to finish off the remaining ones groaning in the gutter.
Tristan realised what she intended to do and grabbed her hand. As she tried to pull away from his grasp, he shouted at her. “Come on, leave them, we must run before the police arrive.”
She hesitated for a moment. Tristan didn’t want to get involved with the police. Aesia would be found out, and what might happen then did not need much thinking about.
Tristan gripped her hand tighter and dragged her with him. “Run!” They ran hand in hand up the steps to the Land Rover. He pulled out his parking ticket
and his key as he ran.
They leapt in and Tristan started the engine while hastily fastening his seat belt. He drove for the car park exit, paying the fee at the barrier. As they drove past the area of the fight Tristan noticed a small crowd gathering around the fallen yobs.
He drove straight back to his cottage. His shirt was clinging to his side, warm dampness soaking into his trousers. As he turned off the main road, the burning in his side had reduced to a dull ache. He took a couple of large gulps of cool evening air and shook his head to clear it.
The journey had passed in silence until Aesia turned to him and apologised. “I’m sorry, I should have ignored them and walked by, but one was rude and I could not let it go unpunished. I know I risked being discovered. Thank you for helping me; a normal slave would have stood by and watched.”
Tristan was going to accept the apology gracefully; however, her last few words caused him to grip the steering wheel tightly his knuckles showing white. “I’m not your bloody slave!” he snapped at her. “And it was stupid of you; the police would not have been long arriving, and they would soon find you were not human. This planet is a dangerous place for you, as most people believe we are alone in the universe. An alien would cause panic, and I don’t know what they would do to you if you were discovered. You have to be more careful and hold your bloody temper!”
He saw her face flush, sensed her rising anger. “He said…”
“I don’t give a toss what he said!” Tristan interrupted. His head was swimming now from loss of blood.
Aesia turned to him. “There is no need for rudeness,” she hissed as they pulled up outside his cottage. Tristan opened the door and twisted in the seat. Pain racked him, and when his feet touched the ground he had no strength in his legs. The last thing he remembered was hitting his head on the edge of the open Land Rover door.
Guardian Awakening Page 4
