"She's survived the dreamquests to free her Flair, her Passages," Enata said.
"Good!"
The woman squeezed her HeartMate's hand. "I told you it would be all right."
"Yes."
Corylus stared at them. "Are you new residents here?"
"No," Barton said.
"My sister, Enata Licorice, will be the mainland PublicLibrarian who knows of us."
"Oh, good."
"I wanted to meet you," Enata said smoothly, standing as her brother had. "Those whom I might have known or met before."
The Hazel-Heather pairing rose, too. The woman smiled impishly. "We haven't been kidnapped, and are very happy with our lives." She paused. "And our four children." The last was said with pride. It was rare for FirstFamily nobles to have more than one or two children, especially if they married within their rank.
"Thank you for speaking with us," Enata said.
"It's fun to come to Celta's Castle now and again," Calluna said.
"Feel free to stay for dinner and overnight," Reglis offered.
"Sure." Corylus Hazel chuckled. "Good to be without the children for a night." He waved to Barton and Enata. "Later."
"Later," Barton said, and closed the door behind them.
"Anything else?" asked Reglis.
"Of course," Enata said. "Why were they Chosen?"
Barton grunted and Enata and Reglis looked at him. "I'm thinking it was him, Corylus Hazel, and they were HeartMates so Calluna came along. It must be because of Avellana. She's very different, and she's a full sibling to Corylus. Has to do with whatever happened when Avellana was seven . . ." There were hushed rumors something major had happened, but Barton didn't know what, though he thought his brother Walker did and kept the secret . . . "the Hazels were chosen before the event. Which means Celta knew what was coming up . . . somehow. Maybe. Probably."
"We cannot comprehend the depths of her intelligence," Reglis said, sitting on the window seat next to Resup and stroking the cat, who stretched out under his hand.
"I imagine not." Time to work around to saying out loud what he thought what else this was all about. "Just before we embarked, we spoke with Vinni T'Vine."
Reglis shook his head, smiling. "Vinni T'Vine, the prophet. What did he see for you?"
"It was about this trip. He's HeartMate to Avellana Hazel, so he's been affected by this, too. Do you have any recent Vines, as well?"
"No Vines lately," Reglis said. "Of course Celta is very interested in him and his Family and the prophecies." Reglis shifted. "But a couple of Vines were included at the start of her, ah, sequestration program."
Barton stared at him. "She, the planet, is breeding you all. And she's breeding a line of Vines, prophets?"
Reglis reddened. "We have communities here. Of course we fall in love and marry. Of course there are also HeartMate bonds, which, as I understand it, is not a phenomena instituted by her. HeartMates and HeartBonding is in our Earthan genetic material."
"That's really interesting," Barton said.
"Yes." Reglis nodded.
"But Celta is choosing you for certain characteristics. Culling, say, the best of the best, and breeding you to be better suited to the environment. That doesn't disturb you?"
"No more than the fact that the FirstFamilies themselves have been breeding for psi power since before the generational starships landed," Reglis snapped. "Or look at you Clovers. Now ennobled from Commoners. Don't tell me that you don't want to encourage stronger Flair in your youngsters. That you aren't drawing nobles into your Family to marry." He stared pointedly at Enata.
She jumped to her feet. "Barton and I were matched by GreatLord Saille T'Willow. As you could be if you came home with us." She swallowed. "I wouldn't have cared if he was a Commoner, nor would he have cared had I been one."
Reglis' gaze softened. He came over, lifted her hand and kissed it. "I understand."
Enata closed her eyes. "The feel of the natural cycling of Family energy between us is good." She sighed out audibly. "I've missed you so much. We were so close, then you weren't even in my recollection. Glyssa had her deep friendships with Camellia Darjeeling and Tiana Mugwort, so that must have helped her. . . and she's met her HeartMate." Enata's lips trembled. "I'm glad I won't be forgetting you again."
"Me, too. But I'm not going back to Druida City." He stood tall. "Since Celta began bringing people here, there's always been a Licorice Librarian. And a Licorice Librarian in Druida City as a failsafe."
"How nice for you, Enata and Reglis." Barton sucked in a breath. "I mean that. It's good that Enata won't be remembering and forgetting and remembering and her health crashing. But let me get this straight. I — and all my Family — will forget Savi."
"That's right." Reglis' stance became defensive. Didn't matter, Barton could take the guy easily. He wondered if Celta had any fighters here, then dismissed the thought. He was in no mood to think well of the planet, to appease the being. "But you will remember us. You all remember your Families and friends."
"Yes."
"And Celta lets you think that your friends and Families remember you."
Reglis dropped his eyes. "I didn't know about this before. We'll talk to her."
"Good luck with that." Barton offered his elbow to Enata. "We'd like to breathe some more tropical air."
She smiled at her brother, then took Barton's arm. "That sounds good."
With a snap of his fingers, Barton translocated Resup to his shoulder.
Out to explore, brother of FamWoman. Fun! I will show everyone else how wonderful FAMS are! See you later.
Reglis cleared his throat. "Celta also indicated that she may provide you with a mobile Healer, Enata, since she will be contacting you."
"A mobile Healer? What does that mean?"
Shrugging, Reglis said, "I don't know, but she seemed impressed with Resup."
Of course, said the kitten.
"Do you have any idea when Celta will contact me?" Enata asked.
Reglis blew out a breath. "In her own time."
"Which, being a planet, might be, oh, a century or so?" Barton said. "We don't have that kind of time. As far as everyone believes, we're on our wedding trip. One week from today, we need to be back home."
"If she wants me to be the fail-safe person, the Celtan Librarian embedded in human culture, she must move quickly," Enata added. She withdrew her hand from Barton's arm to momentarily hug her brother, and then they left the library.
As far as Barton was concerned, he didn't care if he ever saw that room again. He brooded as Enata and Resup chattered on their way back to their quarters, Enata to change clothes for a walk atop the long ridge behind Celta's Castle.
Celta's Castle. Celta's Chosen.
Of whom Savi was one, but not Balansa. Or Barton.
He didn't know how she might think of humans . . . less than a regular person did the shortest-lived pet, probably. Interesting to watch and mold. And breed.
Barton was damn sure that the being of Celta herself wasn't entirely beneficent. No doubt in his mind that when she'd first tried to make contact with the frail and delicate humans, she'd driven them mad or killed them. She must have left a trail of bodies behind her on this quest of hers.
He was determined that Enata, Savi, and Balansa would not be such victims.
Chapter 22
The next morning, they awoke naturally with the sunlight coming through their windows, had a leisurely breakfast in their rooms and played with the kitten.
Barton had been tagged by the head of the island's guard force — a native — to talk about security matters and running a Family like the chosen on the island. The woman Guarda Chief had figured Clover Compound would be comparable to the island and its population.
So Enata took her first solitary walk around the island. Not precisely around, but atop another ridge angled inland, then dropping down a path in the direction of the big lake that she hoped she might see in person.
The thick fores
t of the island resounded with birdsong and the movement of animals, a gorgeous melody. Celta taking care of her special creatures.
Of which Enata's brother was one. That both pleased and hurt. It would truly rip at her when she left. Lady and Lord, she prayed Reglis was right and she would not lose her memory again. She'd figure out how to bargain with the planet if she needed to make that happen.
A tuneful warbling lilted into her mind. I have a beautiful tail, look at my beautiful tail. I have a beautiful wings, how wondrous is the color of shading on my beautiful wings. I am happy I am beautiful. I am happy I am alive. I am happy I can SING!
The complete good cheer of the bird stopped Enata, had her rerunning her thoughts, flipping them to positive instead of negative. Concentrate on the positive.
She had a fabulous husband, one who loved her and whom she loved. A man she'd build a life with and who would help her heal any wounds given to her by this whole mess — wait, that was negative again.
Take it down to absolute simplicity.
The sun on her face, the scent of luxuriant forest and hint of sea, the colorful flowers around her, gave her pleasure. She felt good and glad to be alive.
She loved her husband and he loved her. Wondrous.
She enjoyed being with her brother again, and this unique experience intrigued her.
The sex with Barton was fantastic.
Yes, now she smiled.
Chirp. Chirp. Chirp. The bowing of a branchlet attracted her and she looked up, stunned at the beauty of the bird. The front of its head, above its beak to the backs of its eyes showed a deep pink, with a slash of yellow curving over amber eyes. The rest of its head was a pale gray. It had a bib of short gray-green feathers, then color again below that — yellow shading to rich orange, pink in the center, orange and yellow. The bird lifted her deep green wings and flicked the same color tail.
Hello, woman.
Hello, beautiful bird!
I AM beautiful. You are very beautiful, too. I like your hair.
It certainly waved more here than back in Druida City, especially since she didn't confine it but wore it down, and her hair began lightening again.
The lady wound her song with mine and told me that I am to be a companion with you. Does that please you? It pleases me!
Enata answered, Yes! It does please me! Many people back where I come from have a special bond with a feathered or furred companion.
The bird flew to her shoulder, plucked at Enata's hair with her beak as if considering the thickness and consistency. I DO like your hair.
Enata raised a hand and brushed the back of it over the short green-gray feathers of the bird's side. I like your feathers.
Soft! they both said together. Enata smiled and the bird clicked her beak as if in satisfaction.
Chirping, then nuzzling her head against Enata's chin, the bird whispered into her mind, The lady said I would like the patterns of your thoughts, and I do!
Enata choked, but replied mentally, Thank you. I like the song of your thoughts, too.
A tiny peck. I am to make sure the rhythm of your thoughts always stays beautiful.
"A mobile Healer," Enata murmured.
I am called rose crowned fruit dove, the bird lilted. But many are called that. She looked expectantly at Enata. So I get a PERSONAL name from you.
With the lightest touch, Enata said aloud, "I will call you, Glabra."
It has nice sounds. Thank you.
"Let's walk back to the castle. We can bond during this lovely morning. And I want to introduce you to my mate and his Fam."
Glabra warbled in pleasure.
That Enata had found a Fam pleased Barton and he bowed to her and welcomed her into the Clover Family. The situation did not please Resup who hissed, and pouted, and only came around to acceptance after Barton had let the kitten sit on his head again.
* * *
After lunch, restlessness pervaded Enata. "I can't sit still," she grumbled when they inspected the herb gardens. Glabra sang her joy at bathing in a fountain as Resup watched with disdain.
Tilting his head, Barton stopped in front of her and took both her hands. His knees dipped a little in what he called sinking into his balance. Enata had barely recalled that from her grovestudy self-defense days. More fighting training lay ahead of her. Not something she'd ever contemplated.
He closed his eyes and she understood that he checked their bond, then his lips thinned as his eyelids opened. "I understand that feeling. Obsession."
"Oh. So Celta is calling me."
"Sounds right."
She drew a hand away from his, lifted it, "Come along, Glabra, we go to hear the lady." Enata's voice sounded a little ragged to herself.
Glabra flew, but Resup teleported to Barton's shoulder in a showy move.
Ah! Glabra sang. We go to the glade in the grove, the glade in the grove for the lady!
"You can show us," Enata said.
Yes, follow me!
I will show you a lot of Druida City, Resup said.
Barton snorted, muttered, "I don't think he knows a lot of Druida City."
The kitten ignored him.
Since Barton seemed calmer about this than she, Enata matched his pace, and regulated her breathing to his. Within half a septhour they stood in the center of a grassy clearing dotted with wildflowers.
Greetings to you, lady! Glabra warbled.
And to you, Glabra, responded a voice so melodious it brought tears of awe to Enata's eyes. She glanced at Barton, who'd stiffened. Resup's eyes looked wide and wild.
"Greetyou," Enata said to the being who materialized before her, a woman with long, deep green and blue streaked hair, voluptuous and gorgeous, wearing pale green draperies. Her skin was golden, her features symmetrical and fine, her eyes midnight blue with an oblong pupil. About her the atmosphere coalesced like the center of a storm, and all the scents of the island sharpened, inundating Enata.
Greetyou, City Librarian, said Celta. We have much to discuss.
Chapter 23
What would you ask of me first, PublicLibrarian of the City of Druida, Celta, Enata Losa Licorice? I have found that you Licorices are curious, and you demonstrate that.
Enata blurted the first question that surfaced. "This amazing place has birds and animals I've never seen or even imagined."
Gesturing gracefully, Celta explained, The island has several ecosystems. I have a selection of beings from all of my continents, including some of the most fragile. I know the history of your original planet, that which you call Earth, and how you humans destroyed some beings. That will not be allowed here.
Enata swallowed her protest. Before she formed her next question, Barton pulled her over to flat slab of rock, perfect for them to sit side by side and study the female avatar.
Ask something more personal. "How do you know so much about me?"
When you are here on the island, I can sift through your memories while you sleep. I know all that any of my folk know, or have learned. I know what sent your ancestors running from that ancient Earth.
Enata's stomach clutched and Barton swore. She put a hand on his thigh to soothe them both. Resup had deserted them to chase flutterbys — that the planet provided for his amusement? — in the glade.
A notion occurred to Enata. Celta now knew everything she did of Lugh's Spear.
She heard the laughter of a frolicking breeze through wind chimes, the woman’s smile broke like the most exquisite dawn. As if I didn't know where any of those three space vehicles of you humans landed! As if I didn't take Lugh's Spear into myself to study it.
Enata valiantly suppressed a surge of anger. Celta had claimed lives when the ground had collapsed under the starship so long ago. Words spurted from her mouth, anyway. Is all of our history shaped by you?
But no! I have little to do with any of the sicknesses or diseases that sweep through my atmosphere and affect you. A thoughtful hum as she tapped lush lips with an elegant finger. Though I suppose I could
study them and modify them.
Please, don't interfere with us! Enata exclaimed.
The ground shifted under their rock, and only there, extremely localized. Barton steadied her. His darkened expression included a clenched jaw.
Not even if I interfere for good? asked Celta.
Some tone warned Enata to treat this being as if she were . . . well, she was a goddess.
I have modified weather and winters for you puny humans.
And we thank you. But we wish to— ah, 'make our mark on this world' certainly wasn't the right phrasing — determine our own destiny.
Now the planet's voice came cool and crackling, like that icy winter, her eyes deepened to the blackness of space. I have interfered minimally. I will not change my jetstreams or any weather if it might devastate those of my own, the beasts and birds and plants I shelter and love. A thoughtful pause. I will not say that you humans wouldn't have survived without my help, but there would only be small colonies of you at the original sites of the places you call Druida City and Chinju. You would not have had the numbers to expand from them. And I would not have begun to collect and shelter my own humans here on Cyfrinach if I did not want you human animals to thrive.
Enata let out a breath and walked to the middle of the glen and curtseyed deeply to the planet — the woman's voice in her head and the vision before her who wasn't the Lady whom Enata worshipped. She had to remember that. This one had no equal spouse and partner. A huge shaft of pain at the thought of such loneliness speared her. The remembrance of such loneliness.
Barton joined her.
Celta sighed like a massive stream of wind, her clothing fluttering. It is good to have other minds to speak with . . . not EQUAL minds, but intelligent beings with other perspectives.
Barton brushed his fingers against Enata’s hand, but didn't take it. She felt the wariness of the fight in him.
Barton wanted his say. He glanced around and flourished a bow as if to the highest in all of Celta, definitely not meeting those strange eyes. "Lady, I would speak to you about taking the memories of the Chosen from their Family members."
Lost Heart: A Celta Novella (Celta HeartMate Series) Page 14
