There was a decided dip in the temperature today. Cy wondered about it.
“Air cold,” he mentioned.
“The winter is coming. We can’t leave the cave for a long time when the weather turns. It gets so windy it sounds like a tornado all the time. And the rain is brutal—but at least we have plenty of water we can collect in our buckets and stuff. Unless it turns to sleet. You can’t stick your hand out or it will get all cut up; the ice is like sharp pins. That’s when we have to move a barricade across the opening. Grey made it, but he made it for a warrior to move. If you haven’t noticed, my mom and me are a bit on the puny side.
“I’ll be bigger when I grow up. Mom says it’s because I can’t eat much. We didn’t have food before you came. Some days Mom goes with nothing so I can eat. I saw her stash the root she found just in case we need it. She’s been crying when she thinks I’m sleeping. She’s worried we’ll starve, or get eaten. We should be gathering food and wood and stuff, but the hyenas have been staying too close. They get closer and there’s more of them all the time. We’re lucky they haven’t figured out how to climb on each other.”
Cy understood. He hoped to be away before the weather changed; it didn’t sound pleasant. No wonder Tempest was worried. Maybe she did understand how dire their situation was. Braylon stood gazing up at him. Cy spoke to the replicator and a warm small jacket appeared. He put it on the boy. Cy shook his head. The article was small enough to fit a three-year-old Zargonnii male. Except males on their planet seldom needed more than pants and boots at any age in any weather. Zargonnii children were a sturdy lot. The jacket reminded Cy how vulnerable the human boy was. He made a mental note to replicate the same coat for his mother.
Cy then replicated tools he needed. “Get food later,” he growl grunted.
“That’s okay; my tummy is full of ice cream.” The boy shivered again.
“Cold?”
“Nope, just brain freeze.”
Cy frowned, the boy was still talking and moving, he wondered how his brain could be frozen. The blue eyes gazing at him blinked and twinkled. Then he thought it must be a human expression. The boy was a cheeky little thing. Braylon followed him to the Angano vessel. Cy peered inside, it was dark, and he had kept the door closed, but he wanted to make certain nothing was inside. There was no way he would let anything dangerous close to the boy.
“Safe.” Cy motioned Braylon in. “No touch.”
“I’ll look with my eyes not my hands.” The boy rolled his eyes. “So, you’re fixing this vessel. I don’t think this one is yours. It’s creepy. Like whatever used it needed a lot of leg room and height. The panels are near your head. Either this alien vessel housed a tall alien or one that can fly.”
“Fly, smart boy.”
“Mom says so. But she kinda has to ’cause she’s my mom.”
“Mom strong.”
“Most of the time. She cried when Grey never came back.”
“Love?”
“No, he promised to find a safer planet. He said they wouldn’t welcome him on Ulsy, and his kind would kill us. I listened to them at night, arguing. It took him a while to fix his space ship, almost a year. When it was done, he and my mom fought. He said he couldn’t mate her ‘they’ would know. If she died, he’d die. Or if he was killed, she would die and I’d be all alone. But not ’cause of love or nothin’ it was as if they would be one.”
Cy nodded. “Yes, one.”
“How?”
“Hard kill Tonan. Can. Mate dies.”
“He told my mother he was like two thousand years old. What a whopper.”
“Maybe no.”
“Really?”
He sounded so shocked Cy laughed. “I hundreds. Some Castians three thousand.”
“Wow. Grey mentioned Castians. But said their shield is black. They’re cousins or something.”
“Yes, black shield. Have honor Castians.”
Cy worked on a part of the panel console that had to be fixed. He needed his shields. He didn’t want his people or the Castians to blow him up before he could identify himself. Braylon handed him tools he was allowed to touch. The boy was bright and caught on quickly; he was even understanding some of Cy’s words. They worked quietly, Cy concentrating until Braylon grew bored.
“What flew this before?” Braylon asked.
“Angano. Mind battle. Evil.”
“Grey said Gorgano mind fought. He said they could blow you up with a thought.”
“True.”
“That’s why we couldn’t go with him. Grey said there were too many strikes against him and my mom being together unless he found a safer planet.”
“Why not here?” The Tonan could have kept them safe. He would have been able to keep the replicator going.
“You mean why didn’t he just stay and we could all be together?” Cy nodded. “Dunno. Ask Mom.”
Cy grunted. “Speak funny.”
“So what if she thinks you talk weird? I think the way you speak is cool. She only needs to get to know you better. She should since you plan on taking us home with you.”
The last was said with a small amount of trepidation. Cy ruffled the boy’s hair and gave him a large grin.
“Yes. Home. Shields fixed, home. All go, soon.”
Braylon grinned, and Cy worked to fix the shields. He knew Braylon understood as soon as the shields were done they would leave. A tiny grumble sounded and Cy stiffened, he went into battle mode and spun, pulling Braylon around him. He heard the noise again only coming from behind. He frowned and looked at Braylon.
“Sorry,” Braylon shrugged sheepishly. “I’m hungry and my belly is protesting. Maybe I need more ice cream.”
Cy studied him. The shields were almost done and it was getting late. He waggled a finger at Braylon.
“No ice cream.”
The boy still smiled. “Chocolate?”
“First, meat.”
Braylon whooped.
* * * *
It was getting dark before Tempest breathed a sigh of relief as both her son and Cy climbed into the cave. Cy produced a sack jam-packed with food and other things filling Tempest with delight. He handed her a warm coat.
“What did you do today?” Tempest asked Braylon. She noted the smeared chocolate on his lips. The warrior was indulgent or he didn’t know human children very well.
“Cy taught me how to repair shields on a ship. I learned about new tools and ate tons of ice cream. But don’t worry; he made me eat vegetables, too.”
Tempest wasn’t certain, but she thought the warrior offered her a sheepish grin. Her son yawned. Braylon surprised her by climbing into his bed and rolling over. It was apparent he soon slept.
“Well he’s worn out,” she said.
“Strong, work hard. Good.”
“Thank you. Yes, he is strong, he’s had to be. He does work hard and he’s a good boy.”
Cy centered his gaze on the dying fire and swore.
“Forgot fuel.”
He went to the cave edge and jumped down. Tempest felt the earth move when he landed. He returned with an armload of firewood. She marveled at how his eyes turned to lasers and soon the heat filled the cooling cave pleasantly with warmth. Cy returned with three more arm loads.
“Thank you for taking Braylon with you and keeping an eye on him,” Tempest said.
She had slept on and off all day and wasn’t ready to turn in. Cy began removing items from the sack. There was a bottle and she eyed it curiously. Cy squeezed some of its contents into his hand. It foamed. He wiped the white fluff onto a small section of hair. Tempest watched his eyes dry his hair. The aroma was sweet. She realized it was a dry shampoo, no water needed. With her good hand, she lathered her hair, reveling in the freshness. When finished, Cy fixed his gaze onto her. She was dry in seconds.
Her tummy rumbled. Cy stilled for a second then gave her an amused glance. He handed her an insulated pack. The dark meat was delicious and warm, the green salad made her salivate as well
as a broccoli salad. Greens were rare on the planet. A root tasting like potato she sometimes found near the pond, but there was never enough. Her eyes closed in delight as she sucked back a can of soda pop, her first in a year, belching when through. Another thermos appeared and she delighted in sipping a mint tea. Her appetite back, she wolfed down what was in front of her with Cy quietly watching.
“You, son, home, me?”
She was hoping he’d bring up the subject, but she was cautious. Tempest paused and set her dinner down. “Are there humans there?”
“Many.”
“Are they prisoners?”
“No.”
“Are there Tonans?”
“No.”
“Will Braylon and I be welcome?”
“Yes. Much.”
Tempest finished eating. She was happy to leave but another new home was uncertain and scary. There were few dangerous creatures she was aware of here, but Grey had filled her mind with all kinds of terrors that could be found on different planets. Grey was very good with his horror stories.
“Grey said there was a war with Castians who are like Tonan cousins. He said it was the Tonans’ fault.”
Cy’s eyes widened. “Yes Tonan bad.”
“I can tell you’re surprised Grey told me that. Maybe not all Tonans are bad. Grey could be kind, he did take care of us. We met in a weird way. I was with Braylon on a shuttle filled with people and Grey and Braylon had been talking during the trip to Ulsy. Man cub was almost four at the time, the only child aboard. We were one of the last to leave, I think at least in our part of the world. I was having issues leaving my deceased husband. Knowing I would never again sit by his grave. Everything we knew was gone. The world once so beautiful and filled with promise became a scary place.
“Braylon is such a delight. Very precocious. He was charming even when little. He has a way with people. Grey snuck Braylon extra food. There were times I’d wake on the vessel and Grey was watching us sleep. He was nonchalant, as though he didn’t care, but I could see the wheels in his mind turning. The idea scared me. Ulsy was supposed to be wonderful, safe. An idea nagged there was a lie being told.
“Something about Braylon was eating at Grey. I was certain they’d formed a bond. Grey watched over me as well. He was so handsome and hard to figure out. But my husband’s death was too raw for deeper emotions. I was vulnerable and in a weak moment cried my heart out to him. He was agitated and later explained my tears were a window to core emotions. He remembered his mother and father, their love. Maybe I triggered a gentler side to him. When we landed, there was chaos. It appeared something bad was happening, a fight maybe. Grey took Braylon and me to another ship and just took off. We were gone before I knew what had happened. Grey said he was saving our lives.”
Cy grunted and she wasn’t certain if he had said a word. She knew he was thinking.
“Ulsy sad.”
“Was it a bad place?” Tempest asked.
“Bad, cruel. Boy killed, you…” he stopped abruptly.
“Grey said females were slaves. He said they would kill Braylon because he was useless to them. He was just too little. I’m sure that’s why he initially took off with us. I really thought he came to care for my son. Would they really have turned me into a slave and killed Braylon?”
“Yes.”
“Are women still slaves there?”
“No, Castian save. Save many child. War. Much fight with Gorgano and Angano and Tonan.”
“There was a battle going on I’m certain.”
“Castians.” He leaned forward. “Here beast bad.”
As he spoke, she was able to pick up many of his growled words. She tried hard to listen but conversation was stunted. He seemed sincere, and they couldn’t stay here, they would be eaten.
“We’ll go with you. The cold season will be here soon. Is it far to your planet?”
“Yes.”
It was frustrating being given only single word sentences. He was keeping what he said brief when she wanted to ask a thousand questions. Cy leaned back against the cave wall after handing her a blanket to cover Braylon. He gave her another for herself.
“Don’t you need a blanket?” she asked.
“No.”
“I’m sorry I was rude about the way you speak. You are trying very hard when I can’t begin or have not tried to speak your language. Can you teach me a few words between now and when we reach your planet so I can at least try and fit in?”
“Gry.” Cy pointed at Braylon.
“Does that mean boy or male?”
“Boy.”
Tempest tried to repeat the word and soon Cy was chuckling. Tempest laughed too.
“Yes I suppose I sound silly,” she said and smiled then winced. It hurt her head to laugh. She cradled her hand thinking she definitely broke something when she belted the hyena. There were lively colors across her knuckles.
“Gree,” he said. “Sleep.”
“I think I will. Thank you for the food and for being so good with my son.”
Cy grunted and Tempest lay down and rolled over. Normally it took her ages to sleep, worrying, planning, and wishing. The most powerful-looking male she had ever seen was mere feet from her. Her son had snuck a thumb in his mouth and she smiled at him. Their bellies were full; they had water, heat. Her cheek nestled into her sweet smelling clean hair. There was nothing left to think about until Grey’s image invaded her thoughts. She pushed him out of her mind.
A terrible blast of thunder sounded. Rain began beating down in a deluge at the cave opening. Tempest sat up and eyed the rain with a groan. The weather changed. Outside a funnel cloud whipped screaming into the wind. Dark clouds rolled in an ominous fashion. There would be no more food collecting and they had only the root she found. Then she remembered she didn’t have to find supplies. Her belly was full.
Cy went to the barricade and hefted it easily into place. She settled back down and snuggled under the covers. She didn’t realize how grateful she was having Cy there until that moment. The storm could screw itself. Tonight, she drifted off content.
Chapter 4
“He’s gone.”
Tempest woke to Braylon’s howl of anguish. The boy was frantic. He paced from her to the cave entrance and back before throwing himself into her arms and sobbing as he had when Grey first left. His cries were heartbreaking. Outside, the storm had stopped, the rains abated. The weather wouldn’t hold for long; it would get worse. For a second, her heart beat faster until she calmed.
“It’s all right, man cub. I bet Cy rose early and went to get breakfast. If it was still raining when he left, he might have been too worried to take you. I would have been worried too.”
“What if he never comes back? What if he leaves us all alone?”
“He won’t.”
“How do you know?” His sobs were hiccups.
“She knows.”
Tempest grinned at Cy who had jumped up onto the ledge of the cave and strolled forward. He held a sack. Braylon swiped at a runny nose and red eyes. He pushed away from his mother. Cy studied him.
“Food.”
“You didn’t wake me,” Braylon accused.
“Eat. All go.”
“What?” Tempest was startled.
“Replicator in. Shield done.”
Tempest cocked her head not understanding, but Braylon whooped.
“All he needed was the replicator to go in the other vessel and the shields. We’re leaving.”
“Now?” Tempest asked.
Cy nodded. “Food. Now.”
“All right but I don’t know how far I’ll get. I’m a bit woozy when I stand.” She was afraid of the hyenas and if a storm hit in the open she would be in trouble. Tempest had seen Cy cradle her son and protect him against his chest. That was at least one less worry. But she would slow them down, endanger her son.
“I carry.” Tempest understood that.
“I’d rather walk.”
“No walk, run.”
“Braylon can’t keep up with you even if you are carrying me.”
“I hold.”
“Are you saying you’re going to carry us both to your ship?” Incredulous didn’t begin to describe what she was feeling. Granted he looked strong. But carry them both, at a run?
Cy opened the sack producing sausages and pancakes with maple syrup. He handed Braylon a thermos of milk and she sipped coffee. Tempest ate wide-eyed, wondering what would happen when they finished. She found out. Cy picked up Braylon holding him close to his chest. His long white hair flowed around him to cocoon the child. Tempest knew her mouth was wide in stunned surprise. Holding him was one thing but hair that cuddled?
Tempest struggled into her jacket. When Cy scooped her up she squealed. He held them both, she under Braylon. He pressed her face deep into his chest and she hung on for all she was worth with her good hand. Tempest screamed when Cy jumped from the cave. She was jolted when he landed. He literally hit the ground running, and they were off. The terrain whipped by making a throbbing at her temples until she closed her eyes. She was held in a grip almost brutal but was glad of it. She caught sight of the hyena beasts. None came near, the animals would have no hope to keep up to the warrior’s speed.
Tempest was grateful for the warm jacket when patters of rain began to fall. She was certain Cy swore. He moved faster and the power of his pumping legs flew them over the terrain. Soon a storm was raging. Cy pulled her closer. She could see the outline of Braylon’s body. Cy’s long hair shielded her son completely and exposed parts of her. She was getting wet but not cold. Cy’s chest was a heated furnace and she snuggled closer.
He skidded to a dead stop. Tempest peeked. Two ships separated by mere feet were before them. Both vessels looked like they had seen better days. It was apparent there had been a battle. The rain was a pounding deluge and a river began to flow beneath Cy’s feet. The sky opened up in a gray whirlwind of thunder and crashing lightning. She could feel Braylon quiver. They needed to get away immediately. From the hills surrounding the vessels, Tempest was aware this area flooded in the storms. The streams flowing down became rivers in seconds. The ships would soon be underwater. Cy strode with them in his arms to the bullet shaped ship.
Tempest And The Warrior (Unearthly World Book Book 7) Page 4
