Fiona

There it was again… There it w as again, Fiona thought, I definitely heard something this time . She slow ly turned around and gasped. She w as definitely hallucinating now . It appeared to her muddled mind that horsemen w ere standing in a line behind her. Because of the sun’s positioning and her injured eye, she w asn’t able to really see them clearly, but from their outline, they almost looked like Indians. But, no, the sun glinted off w hat appeared to be shades of blonde, red and brow n hair. Perhaps they w ere from the Festival, they certainly looked the part. It w as all just too confusing and she couldn’t grasp the significance of w hat w as occurring. Kellach’s men recoiled. The crone’s visage w as a nightmare to be sure. The left side of her face w as a mass of purplish bruises and her left eye w as sw ollen shut. Dried blood covered the right side of face and her lips w ere sw ollen and cracked. She appeared to be ancient, so bent over w as she. A shaw l covered her head, and strands of dirty w hite hair hung around her face. Her clothing w as filthy and torn in a good number of places. From a quick perusal, Kellach could see that she had tied her left arm to her body and w as leaning heavily on the stick she carried. Fiona dropped to her knees, “Thank God,” she croaked, “I had almost given up. W hat took you so long?” She almost didn’t recognize her ow n voice; it w as so hoarse and gravelly sounding. Kellach looked around the group, “Do any of you understand w hat she said?” They all looked blank.

Fiona by P. L. Parker

This is a w ork of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental. Fiona COPYRIGHT Ó 2007 by Patsy L. Buker All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner w hatsoever w ithout w ritten permission of the author or The W ild Rose Press except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or review s. Contact Information: info@thew ildrosepress.com Cover Art by Tamra W estberry The W ild Rose Press PO Box 706 Adams Basin, NY 14410-0706 Visit us at w w w .thew ildrosepress.com Publishing History First Faery Rose Edition, April 2007 Print ISBN 1-60154-068-X Published in the United States of America

Dedication For my husband, Jack, for motivating me, Elena and Karlyn for their input and encouragement, my parents, Kevin and my children for their belief in me, and my guinea pigs Susan, Claudia, Dana and Jeri.

Prologue The sands of time shift in an ever-changing motion, uncovering the past and then burying it under the w eight of thousands of years. In the northw estern province in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, in a vast expanse know n as the Tarim Basin, there exists a great desert called the Taklamakan. This great desert covers most of that basin. Excavations into the region have unearthed significant numbers of Caucasoid appearing mummies, 3,000 to 4,000 years old, perfectly preserved by the saline content of the desert sand. One such mummy, a young blonde w oman, w ith gouged out eyes and partially dismembered body, is thought to have been a sacrificial victim. The mummified body of a baby boy w as found in the same tomb, perhaps buried alive, tears still streaking his tiny face.

Chapter One Fiona raced to the locker room at St. Joseph’s Hospital, splashed w ater on her face and threw off her student nurse’s outfit. She grabbed a clothing bag out of her locker and ripped it open. Inside w as a plaid shaw l-like drape or w rap, various items of jew elry and accessories, and a long green w ool dress, her mother’s creation. Wool had never been a favorite, her skin w as too sensitive, but Mom had used it anyw ay, know ing darn w ell Fiona w ould object. It’s quite possibly a subtle form of torture or punishment for some unknow n offense, she thought dryly. Disgruntled, but accepting her fate, she donned an old cotton nightgow n first, to protect her skin, and then the dress. She turned a number of times in front of the mirror, trying unsuccessfully to drape the shaw l just right. Frustrated, she tied it around her middle like a giant cummerbund, adding about thirty pounds in the blink of an eye. If she had anything to do w ith it, the shaw l w ould mysteriously disappear later in the day. “This is just beautiful,” Laurette, another nursing student said, as she reverently touched the soft w ool gow n. “W here’d you get it?” Fiona turned from the mirror and smiled, “It’s another one of Mom’s design inventions. She’s pretty creative, don’t you think?” “W hat’s it for?”

“W hat’s it for?” “Oh, I promised her I w ould help in her booth at the Celtic Festival in Saline today. She show ed up yesterday w ith this, so I guess I’m stuck w earing it.” Secretly, Fiona w as pleased. The costume w as beautiful, even if it w as w ool, and she could tell that Mom had spent a lot of time and effort on it. The soft moss green brought out the light green of Fiona’s eyes, giving them a dimension not usually noticeable. It didn’t hurt either that the lines w ere really flattering. The bodice fit closely, and w as hand-embroidered w ith knots, spirals, circles and, her favorite, a Celtic Cross. According to Mom, these w ere all good luck symbols and, from Fiona’s point of view , it never hurt to have a few of those around these days. Maybe she w as having good luck anyw ay. After all, her mother could have designed w ool underw ear to go along w ith the dress. Her shoes w ere soft, w hite leather pull-on boots w ith hand stitching on the top and w ere about the most comfortable things in the outfit. “Well, it’s beautiful, and you look fantastic! If I didn’t know better, I w ould think you had just stepped out of a page in history. Talk to you Monday,” Laurette w aved as she headed out the door. Fiona took one last quick look in the mirror. Laurette w as right, she did look pretty outstanding. Too bad no one really important w as going to see her. “W here’re you off to, Fiona,” the dark haired nurse at the front desk asked, “and w hat’s that you’re w earing?” Stumbling dow n the last few steps of the stairw ell, Fiona grumbled, “Blame my mother.” The length of the dress nearly tripped her a dozen times; obviously her mother had forgotten again that she w as on the short side. “I’m off to another Celtic festival. Just once, it w ould be

“I’m off to another Celtic festival. Just once, it w ould be nice if one could actually be in Ann Arbor…and I’m late, again! I w as supposed to meet Mom at noon, but there’s no w ay I’ll get there that soon. She has a booth set up already, so it w on’t be too hard to find her.” “Well, you look great! Have a good time, and be careful. Should be a lot of traffic on the road,” the nurse called, as Fiona ran out the door. Stepping on the hem of the gow n, Fiona staggered and almost fell. W hy can’t I just wear something normal? You know w hy, she thought, Mom of course. A brief flash of amused resignation lit her face. Mother Maeve w as a dyed in the w ool, honest to God descendent of some ancient Celtic clan; w hose roots, she claimed, began somew here in Europe, migrated to Ireland, and w hose present branch resided in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Maeve O’Brien Sutton lived for her Celtic roots and, because the matriarchal relationship w as one not easily ignored, so did Fiona. Every single day of her life she w as reminded by Maeve, in some subtle or not so subtle w ay, of their stellar heritage. Even Fiona’s name w as Celtic and meant—if it mattered one bit—”comely.” Better “Fiona” than some she had heard. Heaven must love her, or Mom had a moment of clarity; otherw ise, she could be running around w ith some name only a drunken sailor could pronounce. Maeve’s life revolved around her heritage; but w ho really cared that somew here, someplace, sometime, someone in her family had been a Celtic w arrior? Fiona certainly didn’t. Cripes, a lot of those early guys fought naked...like that was something to brag about! Truthfully, about the only thing Celtic about Fiona w as Maeve, and perhaps her long, curly blonde hair. On a good

Maeve, and perhaps her long, curly blonde hair. On a good day, Fiona stood 5’2” and tipped the scale at 115. On the other hand, Maeve w as the epitome of her Celtic ancestry―tall, full bodied, and blessed w ith a w ealth of straw berry blonde hair and accentuating eyes so vividly blue, she w as often accused of w earing colored contacts ―w hich she didn’t. Fiona w ould kill for Mom’s looks and her height, but at 22, she w as pretty sure all her grow th spurts w ere behind her. Fiona scratched the back of her neck. Even though it w as beautiful, the w ool dress itched from top to bottom. Thank goodness she w asn’t stuck w earing w ool every day. You’d better believe there w as a God somew here. Wool dress not w ithstanding, she especially liked the new jew elry Maeve had sent over to compliment the outfit. The necklace w as made of copper and bronze beads, and sported a number of bronze and copper rings for decoration. There w ere matching bracelets for each arm, as w ell. Mom said the jew elry w as styled in the art of the La Téne period, w hatever that w as, but it sounded good. W hoever the craftsman or craftsw oman w as, the jew elry appeared quite authentic and made a nice sound w hen she moved. Fiona ran to her car, w renched the door open and leapt in. After several near starts, the old rattletrap finally sparked to life―amazingly. “You’ll get me there and back, I just know it,” Fiona said, as she patted the old dashboard. “Mom can’t seem to get it through her head that you are a barely w orking antique,” she muttered to herself. “Oh w ell…here w e go again―tonight’s the night I meet the W arrior King,” she added hopefully. The drive to Saline from Ann Arbor w as short and she planned to get there before Mom really had a chance to

planned to get there before Mom really had a chance to get too hot under the collar, or did Mom’s costume have a collar this year? W ho knew w hat Mom w ould show up w earing? W hatever it w as, you could be sure it w ould be some w onderful thing that everyone else w ould have to have next year. Fiona had to admit, though, that her new outfit w as a vision. Mom had outdone herself w ith this one and she looked good, if she did say so herself! W ith that uplifting thought, Fiona headed out of the parking lot. Fiona sw erved around a corner and slammed on her brakes. Traffic w as bumper to bumper as far as she could see. “Oh, great, this is just w hat I need.” She eased into traffic and slow ly moved forw ard. Fortunately, it w as still only April and the temperature w as pretty mild. Thank goodness for small favors! The air-conditioning system had broken dow n the previous summer and w as going to be a big problem by mid-summer, unless she figured out how to afford to get it fixed. Maybe w ith a little luck or divine intervention, that lottery ticket she bought the other day w ould pay off. “W here’s those old Celtic gods w hen you needed them?” Not here, obviously. After a w hile, traffic eased somew hat and she w as able to pick up some speed. The old car rumbled and squeaked but finally settled in to a steady clanking rhythm. Fiona sw itched on the radio, found her favorite radio station and relaxed for the remainder of the drive to Saline. The Saline Festival w as one of the largest Celtic festivals of the year. A huge crow d of strolling tourists blocked the main street into Saline. Usually the festival took place in July, but new building construction and proposed street repair prompted an earlier festival. People w ith Celtic backgrounds or those w ho w anted

People w ith Celtic backgrounds or those w ho w anted to have Celtic backgrounds, flocked to Saline each year for the festival. The tow n square w as barricaded and vendor booths lined the street. Fiona pulled off into an area reserved for parking, paid the attendant and edged into a space. The w eather w as perfect, not cold but just cool enough that the w ool dress w as a w elcome addition. She w rapped the throw around her and headed on foot into the tow n square. Fiona had to admit, she loved these festivals; so much excitement, noise and high spirits. From the looks of things, quite a bit of “high spirits” had already been consumed by the w andering crow d, even so early in the day. Musicians, dancers and haw kers grouped in the center of the square. Fiona passed a small group of cultural musicians, led by a smiling girl playing a lively tune on a hammered dulcimer. She pushed her w ay to the front and dropped a dollar in the donation box at the girl’s feet. Smells w afted from food booths and children chased each other through the crow d. The crush of people w as almost claustrophobic and Fiona moved quickly along, hoping to catch sight of her mother’s booth. Mom said her booth w as by the fountain at the north end of the square, she remembered, moving in the direction she hoped w as north. She pushed by a group of mimes. Did mimes mime in the old times? She w ondered. “Fiona, over here,” her mother called. Fiona turned and there w as Mom, w aving her arms and looking like some priestess of old. Her hair w as hanging in a bazillion braids and ribbons of every color w ere w oven through. She looked terrific! Mom alw ays looked terrific. No w onder Dad, as w ell as every other man w ithin a thousand miles, loved her. The only thing bad about Maeve w as her shameless tendency to

only thing bad about Maeve w as her shameless tendency to put her nose into every aspect of Fiona’s business. No matter, Fiona loved her dearly anyw ay. “W here’s Dad?” Fiona asked. “Oh, you know him; he alw ays has some lame excuse for not coming w ith me. This time, he said he had to mow the law n. It’s only early April. How long could the grass be anyw ay?” Dad, or James Sutton, Ph.D., w as a professor of ancient history at the University. His one true passion, other than Mom, centered on the ancient Celts and their spread throughout Europe. During a research project on Celtic traditions, he met Maeve and as he puts it, the research ended there. He w as a sw eetheart, but his interests did not lie w ith attending festivals on a regular basis. He left that to Maeve and they w ere both happy w ith the concession. “How are you today?” Maeve asked as she offered Fiona a chair. She took the chair, glad to be able to relax after having to fight her w ay through the crow d. “I’m okay, a little rattled. Had to w ork longer than I expected this morning and I’ve been going crazy ever since.” Mom looked sympathetic, “Did you bring your stuff to stay overnight? Delia and I brought the camper and there’s plenty of room, w ould save you having to go home in the dark.” “No, and I need to get home. I locked Sykes up in the garage and he’s going to be very unhappy if I don’t come home tonight. I doubt his food bow l w ill last that long anyw ay.” “You w orry more about that fat old cat than you do about yourself.” “I know , but w hat w ould I do w ithout him? W ho

“I know , but w hat w ould I do w ithout him? W ho w ould I w ait on hand and foot, day and night, if I didn’t have him? It’s almost like having a husband.” “I know you’re young yet and have lots of things to do, but someday I need grandchildren.” Truthfully, w hatever faults Fiona thought Maeve had, she w ould make a w onderful grandmother and Maeve managed to bring the subject up w henever they w ere together. “Sykes is about the closest thing you’re going to get for aw hile. Give it a rest, Mom, I just got here.” Here w e go again, Fiona thought, secretly amused. “W ell, just so you know , I’m not giving up.” Like she would! Fiona sat back and took a few moments to enjoy the sunshine and the sights. Mom’s booth w as a testament to her profession, w hich she claimed w as a w ant-to-be Druid. In reality, she w as a naturopath, and a good one, too! There w asn’t much about herbs and natural remedies Maeve didn’t know and some of that had rubbed off on Fiona, by osmosis probably. Nursing seemed the perfect career choice w ith her background. She loved helping people in general, but lately the idea of becoming a midw ife w as a frontrunner. She w as only in her third year of college so she had plenty of time to make a final decision. Mom, on the other hand, adamantly believed everything could be cured w ith natural remedies, and to a certain extent, Fiona believed that to be true. Fiona w asn’t pro or con about natural remedies―too many things happened all the time to discount one type of healing over another. Maeve handed Fiona a jar. “Try this new hand lotion I’m w orking on. It smells like lemons and vanilla.” “W hy do you suppose that is?” “W ell, I used lemons and vanilla in it.”

“W ell, I used lemons and vanilla in it.” “That could be the reason. W hat’s it supposed to do?” “It softens your hands and helps reduce the cuticles, and it smells really good.” Fiona tested some on her hands. “Yeah, it does smell good, feels kind of sticky, though.” “Well, it’s still in the early stages, maybe I used too much honey,” Maeve said doubtfully as she took the jar aw ay from Fiona. “W hy do you alw ays have to be so critical?” “I w asn’t being critical, I w as just commenting.” “Well, stop commenting and help me. I need to get this banner up higher or no one w ill know w e’re here. I w ouldn’t have come if I had know n my booth w ould be so far out of the center of traffic.” Maeve stood on a chair and hoisted the banner higher. “Grab that pole and hand it to me,” she said. Fiona handed her the pole and Maeve secured the banner. “There, that should do it. Lots of people here today, and if w e can get their attention, w e should make some good sales.” Fiona moved to the back of the booth and began unpacking and placing jars, boxes and candles on the shelving. Though she w ouldn’t admit it, she loved the smell of Mom’s concoctions; they w ere great reminders of her childhood. Mom had been dragging her to these festivals from time beginning and she thought having Fiona w ith her brought in more customers. She firmly believed that her remedies kept Fiona healthy―and Fiona had been a disgustingly healthy child―a w onderful testament to Maeve’s profession. Besides her hair, another of Fiona’s really good features w as her skin and Maeve alw ays claimed that her potions w ere the reason. Good skin, healthy hair

that her potions w ere the reason. Good skin, healthy hair and nice teeth, that’s me, Fiona acknow ledged. As Fiona unpacked, she noticed most of Maeve’s products w ere packaged in small clay pots w ith lids. “These are cute,” she said, “w here’d you get them?” “I bought a bunch of them from the Potters Guild on Hill Street. They look good, don’t they?” Yes, they did and Fiona sw iped a small pot of lip gloss and slipped it in her pocket. Mom grinned at her, “You don’t have to steal it, I w ould have given it to you.” “I w asn’t stealing; I w as borrow ing it for Meagan.” “Athelred’s son is coming today,” Maeve mentioned casually. “Mom!” Fiona groaned, “you haven’t set me up again, have you?” “Set you up! W hen have I ever set you up?” “Only about a bazillion times. Last year, it w as that Joe something, you know , the baldheaded one.” “He isn’t baldheaded, he shaves his head, there’s a difference.” “W hat difference? Bald is bald. I like men w ith a little bit of hair. Besides, he didn’t like me either.” “You should have tried harder. I think you scared him. By the w ay, I forgot to drop your headdress off yesterday. Put this on.” Maeve handed her a length of green embroidered cloth. “I don’t w ant anything on my head, I have enough itchy spots as it is,” Fiona grumbled. “This w on’t itch. If you’d quit complaining and try it on, you w ould notice that I lined the inside w ith cotton.” Fiona took the cloth from Maeve, pulled her hair back and tied it on. “You should braid your hair,” Maeve said, “you have the loveliest hair. Not many blondes have hair as

“you have the loveliest hair. Not many blondes have hair as long or as light as yours, not the true ones anyw ay.” “Try keeping care of it on a day-to-day basis, maybe you w ouldn’t be as fond of it as you are.” Fiona grabbed a mirror out of her purse and held it up. The head piece w as the perfect compliment to her hair and eyes, and Fiona decided to w ear it, not to please her mother of course, but because it w as flattering. Fiona eyed her mother. Maeve’s costume w as an offw hite tunic, secured at the shoulders w ith tw o large bronze pins and the fabric, to her inexperienced eyes, appeared to be linen. “W hy,” she asked pointedly, “do I seem to be the only person in this booth w earing w ool?” “I’m the Celtic priestess, ergo, I w ear linen,” Maeve replied nonchalantly. “Linen, you get to w ear linen and I have to w ear w ool?” “You are the Celtic virgin, virgins w ear w ool. You know , ‘virgin w ool,’ it’s common know ledge.” “Probably because men get hives w hen they touch it, keeps that old virgin thing secure. W hat book on Celtic virgins does that one come from anyw ay? I w ant to read it,” Fiona replied as she scratched her neck again. “You w on’t find it in any book. According to your father, ancient Celts didn’t have a w ritten language. I just know from w ord of mouth. Besides, I w anted it to look authentic.” Maeve said smugly. “Just enjoy the dress and quit griping.” “Well, if you plan on me helping you this summer, you’d better come up w ith something different. I refuse to be itchy and hot at the same time.” “I’m already w orking on it, something tunic-style out of lightw eight linen. You’ll love it,” and w ith that, Maeve

of lightw eight linen. You’ll love it,” and w ith that, Maeve opened her booth for business. Customers began arriving in a steady stream and for the next w hile, time w as taken up w ith handling money and w rapping sales. Finally, the first rush slow ed and they had a few moments to themselves. “I’m going to go over to the food booths and grab something; I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.” Fiona reached for her bag and stepped out of the booth. “W hy don’t you go over to Meagan’s booth and grab me one of her meat pasties, I hear they’re especially good this year.” Fiona nodded at Maeve and stepped into the line of foot traffic. “And grab me some of Mary’s homemade lemonade,” Maeve added. Fiona moved aw ay quickly before Maeve had a chance to add anything else. If I don’t get out of here fast, I’ll be carrying a nine course meal back to her, Fiona thought. Sure enough, she w as almost out of hearing range w hen Maeve managed to call, “And get me a honey bun from Delia’s booth!” “Maybe I should stop and buy a w agon and a horse to haul it all back,” Fiona grumbled. A clogging contest had begun in the center of the square and Fiona stopped for a few minutes to w atch. Not many contenders for Lord of the Dance here, she thought. They w ere having a good time, though, and no one seemed to mind that talent w asn’t an issue. Fiona cheered along w ith everyone else w hen the first group of dancers finished. Not w anting to keep her mother w aiting, and hungry herself, Fiona reluctantly turned aw ay. The w alk to the food booths w as a short one and, in no time, Fiona w as standing in front of Meagan’s. “Fiona,” she squealed, “I w as hoping you’d come! You look absolutely terrific.” Meagan ran out of the booth and

absolutely terrific.” Meagan ran out of the booth and w rapped her arms around Fiona. “You look pretty good yourself,” Fiona said, as she hugged back. Meagan had been Fiona’s friend from the time they w ere little. Delia, Meagan’s mother, and Maeve frequented the same festivals; Fiona and Meagan w ere practically the only playmates each other had back then. Meagan w as short and round, w ith red hair and lots of freckles. Everyone loved Meagan and Meagan loved everyone. “How long are you staying?” Meagan asked. “I’m here for the w eekend. I’m going home tonight, though, but I’ll be back tomorrow . I promised Mom I w ould help in the booth. Boy, something sure smells good,” she sniffed, eyeing the food display, “Did you make these yourself?” “Of course, w hat else? Do you w ant some?” “Sure, give me tw o, one chicken and one beef. Probably better make it three, another chicken. It’ll save me a trip back w hen Mom decides she needs another one.” Meagan w rapped up three pasties, put them in a bag and handed it to Fiona. “Tell your mother ‘hi’ for me. W ill you tw o be at the dance tonight?” Fiona nodded, “I’ll be there, just look for the darkest corner and I’ll be the lump sitting on the chair.” “W hy don’t you just get up and ask someone to dance—I do,” Meagan said. “I’d be too nervous, and if they told me ‘no,’ I’d be traumatized for the rest of the year and you’d have to bring pasties to me in my padded cell.” Meagan chuckled, “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Fiona, everyone gets told ‘no’ once in a w hile.” “Maybe you get told ‘no’ once in a w hile. I get told

“Maybe you get told ‘no’ once in a w hile. I get told ‘no’ on a regular basis.” Truthfully, Fiona couldn’t remember Meagan ever being told “no”, and she never seemed to lack for dance partners. Compared to Meagan, Fiona considered herself the proverbial w allflow er, w hich w asn’t bad most of the time. She hadn’t seen too many men she w as interested in anyw ay. “I think men are just nervous around you, I’ve noticed that really beautiful w omen scare men. Maybe you could try to be a little homelier,” she giggled. “Is that my fault? W hat should I do? Dye my hair black and buy some of those Austin Powers teeth, or maybe w ear a paper bag over my head and go as the unknow n w allflow er?” “That’s the spirit! Just don’t give up; keep asking and the right guy w ill say ‘yes’—I just know it.” Meagan’s w arm brow n eyes tw inkled. “Somew here out there, your Mr. Right is just w aiting. How could he not be? You are just too w onderful to be by yourself for very long. Besides, w e have lots of time and lots of men to go through before w e end up w ith just one.” She gave Fiona another quick hug. “Well, I’d better get back to w ork. These pasties w on’t sell themselves. Look for me tonight.” Meagan turned to help another customer and Fiona moved aw ay, then stopped, turned, and pulled the lip salve from her pocket, “Meagan,” she said and flipped the little pot of lip salve, “from Mother.” She grinned and w alked aw ay. “I love this stuff! Tell your mother ‘thanks’,” Meagan yelled. After a short stop at the lemonade stand and a longer stop at Delia’s for a honey bun and some quick conversation, Fiona made her w ay back to Maeve, carefully balancing the cups and food. Maeve w as helping customers

balancing the cups and food. Maeve w as helping customers and heaved a sigh of relief as she stepped in. “The minute you left, the booth filled up. W hy w ere you gone so long?” “I w as only gone ten minutes or so, I w ent as fast as I could.” “More like tw enty—I should have told you to get me tw o pasties.” “I’m w ay ahead of you Mom, tw o chicken pasties coming up.” Fiona set the food dow n and began unpacking the pasties. “W here’s my napkin?” Maeve asked. Just great! She had forgotten napkins. “I forgot, I’ll go back and get some.” “No, no, that’s okay; I have some paper tow els back here. Never know w hen you’ll need some,” Maeve reached around behind a stack of boxes and brought out the tow els. “Let’s eat, I’m positively starving.” The rest of the afternoon passed quickly and by 8:00, most of the strolling shoppers had thinned to the point that they decided to close the booth for the night. They tied dow n the flaps on the sides of the booth and Maeve secured the change box. “We did great today. I think this is the best sale day I’ve had so far. I’m going to take this over to the festival office and get it locked up. I’ll meet you in City Hall. I think the dance is on the low er level.” Fiona sat dow n and put her feet up, sighing in relief, “I don’t know , Mom, I’m pretty tired, maybe I’ll just call it a day and head home.” “Nonsense, you’re too young to be sitting at home by yourself on a Saturday night. Come on, it’s going to be fun.” Maeve turned and headed over to the festival headquarters, leaving Fiona to w ander over to City Hall by herself. The sky had clouded up and a light rain w as

herself. The sky had clouded up and a light rain w as beginning to fall. Nervousness set in and it w as all Fiona could do to step through the door. She had alw ays been on the shy side; dances had a tendency to be a nightmare for her. Fortunately, just at that moment, Meagan w alked up, grabbed her arm and together they w alked in. The room w as noisy and chaotic, and a large mass of people w ere attempting to dance on the overly crow ded dance floor. The group currently on stage w ere promoted as Irish folklorists; and the tune they w ere playing w as a lively jig Fiona recognized from previous festivals. Fiona’s mood lifted as her feet tapped to the music. “I don’t know how anyone w ill be able to do anything in here,” Meagan yelled over the noise, “let alone dance.” She had hardly finished speaking w hen a young guy dressed in a kilt grabbed Meagan and w hisked her aw ay to the dance floor. Fiona considered the age old question—”w hat w as he really w earing underneath it?” In any event, she w as alone again. She inched her w ay through the crow d to the beverage counter, paid for a beer and then pushed through to the nearest corner. She found an empty chair conveniently situated and sat dow n, w hich w as w here Maeve found her a w hile later. “W hy aren’t you up mingling?” Maeve asked. Fiona shook her head, “I’m fine right here. I’m just enjoying w atching everyone.” It w as interesting, too, so many people and so many styles and dress periods. Clothing from every time period w as represented, from ancient to modern, from leather and animal pelts—fake she hoped—to the more modern Highlander dress, if modern w as the right w ord. Her costume w as one of the older Irish Celtic styles and to her mind, one of the prettier ones. “I just spoke to Athelred; she is going to bring Alfred

“I just spoke to Athelred; she is going to bring Alfred over here in a few minutes. Maybe you can dance w ith him.” “Alfred, his name is Alfred? Mom do you know how many men I have met w ith the name ‘Alfred’ w ho are even the tiniest bit interesting? None—that’s how many.” “Don’t judge him before you meet him. A name is only a name. Isn’t that w hat Juliet says of Romeo, or Romeo says of Juliet—or w hatever? Anyw ay, Athelred said he is an accountant and ow ns his ow n business,” Maeve paused for a moment, “and I think she said he’s in his early 30’s, or maybe mid-30’s.” “Early 30’s? Mid 30’s? Mom, I am in my early 20’s, over 30 is too old.” “I’m not asking you to marry him; I am just trying to get you a dance partner.” “Oh, for heaven’s sake! Never mind,” Fiona groaned, “just bring him on over and let’s get this over w ith.” “You could try to be a little more receptive. W ho know s? He might just end up being interesting!” “Give me a break, Mom. I can’t believe that Athelred’s son is going to be even vaguely interesting. If he looks anything like Athelred, I seriously have my doubts.” Athelred and Alfred—she guessed—took that moment to step up. Hopefully, they hadn’t heard w hat she’d said. Fiona looked at Maeve, eyebrow s arched in “I told you so.” Maeve stared back, a sickly smile pasted on her face. “Maeve, Fiona, this is my son Alfred.” Athelred w aved a hand at her son. Yes, it w as as Fiona thought, Alfred w as an “Alfred.” To compare him to the Pillsbury Doughboy w as an insult to the Pillsbury Doughboy. His outfit, far from being Celtic or resembling anything even vaguely close, w as the archetype in bondage attire. A black leather vest (open

the archetype in bondage attire. A black leather vest (open to the w aist of course), tight fitting leather pants and lots of gold chains on his overly hairy, flabby chest left her breathless, and not in a good w ay! A spiky thing sprang up from his hat and the brim sat low on his forehead, forcing his ears to stand out, or maybe they just stood out on their ow n. Make that a Pillsbury Doughboy in drag, Fiona thought. Alfred posed, “Mom said w e w ere supposed to w ear costumes, but she didn’t indicate w hat kind. Guess I am a little overdressed or under-dressed, or something. Not that I care, a costume is a costume as far as I’m concerned.” Athelred blurted, “I told you to w ear something Celtic.” “Like I w ould know w hat Celtic is—I thought that w as a basketball team,” he said. “You should know , our family descended from Celts,” Athelred exclaimed. “Well, if it isn’t in an accounting book, I w ouldn’t know .” Alfred reached out to shake Fiona’s hand w ith his short, fat sausage fingers. She hated short, fat sausage fingers! Trying to be gracious, she conjured up her best “I don’t w ant to know you” smile and returned the hand shake. Yes, it w as as she suspected, the Pillsbury Doughboy did have sw eaty palms—another point in his disfavor. Maeve, dismayed on her ow n account and doubly so for Fiona, jumped in, “How nice to meet you. I w as just telling Fiona about you and that you ow ned your ow n business.” “Well, I don’t ow n my ow n business,” he said, “w ho told you that? I w ork for a small accounting firm in Ann Arbor.” “I didn’t mean to infer he ow ned his ow n business,”

“I didn’t mean to infer he ow ned his ow n business,” Athelred interjected, “I meant to say he w ould like to ow n his ow n business someday. W ouldn’t you, sw eetie.” “Yup, some day soon, I’m going to ow n one of the most sought after accounting firms in the city. Then people w ill line up and beg for my services,” Alfred bragged. You can count me out on that one, Fiona grimaced. “I think I feel a headache coming on,” Fiona rubbed her forehead, “I probably should head home soon.” It totally amazed her that her mother, of all people, actually thought that she might be interested in someone like Alfred. Of course Mom had never met him before, but that w as no excuse. Another disappointment in a long line of blind date disappointments. Fortunately, she w asn’t actually out on a date w ith this one, she could exit w hen she w anted to— and now seemed a good time. Alfred stepped closer, “Well, it w as really nice meeting you. Maybe w e can get together soon.” Alfred’s breath smelled like he had visited the beer booth one too many times on top of a couple of chorizos. Preferably after I’m dead, Fiona thought. She stood up and edged tow ards Maeve. “I w ould really like to stay and visit, but I have to drive back to the city and get some rest so I can get here early tomorrow ,” she said as she draped her shaw l around her. “I really need to get going.” “Oh, stay for aw hile,” Maeve pleaded, “the party’s just getting started.” “No, Mom, the party’s over for me, I’m tired and I need to go home.” Fiona glared at Maeve, hoping against hope that Maeve w ould get the message and help her ease out of there. Maeve picked up on her body language, “Well, okay, Honey, if you have to, tomorrow comes early. I’ll w alk you

Honey, if you have to, tomorrow comes early. I’ll w alk you out.” “No, that’s fine, you stay here. There’s plenty of security around and no one w ill bother me. You have a good time and I’ll see you tomorrow .” Fiona gave her Mom a quick hug. “I’m sorry,” Maeve w hispered, “I didn’t realize he w ould be so disgusting.” At least Maeve w as cognizant of the fact that she’d made an enormous mistake. Fiona w ould forgive her for this one. “Don’t w orry about it,” she w hispered back “you’ll just have to entertain him.” She grinned at the parting shot. Maeve glared but patted her arm affectionately, “I really w ish you’d stay, I don’t like you out on the roads after dark, especially w hen it’s raining.” “I’ll be okay, Mom.” “Well, call me w hen you get home, I’ll leave my cell phone on.” “Fine, but don’t get w orried if you don’t hear from me immediately.” Fiona turned and made her escape as quickly as she could. Athelred turned to Maeve, “That w ent w ell, I think. They make a nice couple.” Nice couple, my ass, Maeve thought. “She’s a little young,” Alfred said, “but I like them young, then I can raise ‘em up right,” he sniggered. “Raise her up right?” Maeve’s chin lifted. “Are you inferring that I didn’t raise her right?” “Oh, no, not at all,” he stammered, “she just needs polishing around the edges,” he defended himself. Maeve’s temperature started to climb, “Fiona is as polished around the edges as she needs to be.” “Exactly, that’s w hat I meant to say. I’ll give her a call

“Exactly, that’s w hat I meant to say. I’ll give her a call in the next few days and take her out on the tow n. We can go Dutch treat so she doesn’t feel like she ow es me anything. You have her number, right?” Maeve stared fixedly at him for a few seconds, until he started to squirm, “Actually, I forgot to mention, Fiona is dating someone casually, I don’t know how much extra time she’s going to have.” “You said she w asn’t dating,” Athelred interjected. “I meant she w asn’t dating seriously, ” Maeve retorted, “and w ith her schooling and everything, I doubt she w ill have any time.” W ith that, Maeve decided the issue w as at end. Athelred’s round face flushed beet red, verging on an apoplectic attack. Too bad, thought Maeve, but such is life —and creepy Alfred w ould never be given the opportunity to bother her Fiona. “Excuse me, I see Delia over there and w e need to visit about tomorrow . I’ll talk to you soon,” Maeve turned and w alked aw ay. “W ell, I never!” Athelred huffed. “Forget it, Mom, Fiona w asn’t my type anyw ay, not much spirit and pretty pale. Too skinny, too, I like a little more meat on a w oman’s bones, if you know w hat I mean,” Alfred smirked. “Well, see if I ever do Maeve any favors again,” Athelred sputtered “her daughter can end up an old maid for all I care.” Fiona finally managed to get through the crow d of dancers and out the doors of City Hall. Rain w as pouring dow n. Fortunately, she thought sarcastically, her umbrella w as safely in the car w here it usually w as w henever there w as a rainstorm. She grabbed her keys out of her bag, made a dash for the car, got in and started up the motor.

made a dash for the car, got in and started up the motor. The engine roared to life on the first crank. “Now w e’re cooking,” she laughed. As she left the parking lot, a sudden chill gripped her. Nervously she looked around. All the w indow s w ere rolled up and she couldn’t figure out w here the cold air w as coming from. That’s w eird, she thought, someone must have w alked over my grave. Not a good thing to be thinking about w hile driving home alone in the dark. She shuddered—it gave her the creeps. By the time she got to the highw ay, rain w as coming dow n in sheets and even w ith her headlights on, Fiona w as only able to see a few feet in front of the car. It w as still early for a Saturday evening so there w asn’t much traffic and w hat there w as moved pretty slow ly. The highw ay w as one continuous “S” and as she inched around another corner, her attention w as draw n to the right side of the road. She could see the indistinct outline of a drop-off on the side of the road and vaguely remembered it being pretty steep on her trip earlier. A bright light to her left caught her eye and, as she turned her head, something slammed into her car broadside. Her head banged against the w indow and pain radiated dow n the side of her face and neck. Fiona could feel the car sliding sidew ays and realized it w as being pushed tow ards the edge. She tried w renching the door open but pressure from the other car had her door w edged shut. The impetus of the other vehicle forced Fiona’s car further tow ards the edge of the roadw ay. She slammed on her brakes in an attempt to slow the sidew ays momentum, but the car kept sliding, forced to the edge of the roadw ay by the sheer w eight of the other car and condition of the road. A black void w as all she w as able to see at that

A black void w as all she w as able to see at that moment, and as the car teetered sickeningly on the brink, she experienced a moment of rashness or irrationality. She remembered reading somew here that her life w as supposed to flash by just before she died. The only thing on her mind w as mind-numbing fear. She didn’t w ant to die! She hadn’t really lived yet! The car teetered one last time and, as it rolled sidew ays over the edge into the blackness, she screamed in panic. Fiona hit the ceiling again and again as the car rolled and bounced in its dow nw ard plunge. The noise w as deafening and metal squealed and groaned as the car hit the ground over and over. She lost track of how many times the car rolled. The w indshield broke and glass sprayed her face and upper body. The car bounced once again and the door flew open. She w as throw n out of the car and sailed through the air. Her arm cracked as she hit the ground and, mercifully, she lost consciousness. **** Maeve checked her w atch, it’d been almost tw o hours since Fiona had left, and she w as really beginning to w orry. She should have heard from her long before this. It w asn’t like Fiona to let her w orry. Better to be a nosy mother than to stew about it. She dialed Fiona’s number and w aited for a ring.

Chapter Tw o The sun shining on her backside w oke Fiona up. The temperature w as freezing and she w as shivering uncontrollably. She could hear the w ind w histling strongly. W ind in her bedroom? Her bed felt really hard and lumpy, too, and w here w as her pillow ? Unless she w as mistaken, a stick seemed to be stuck up her nose. For that matter, she hurt all over and, w hen she attempted to move, she almost fainted from the pain in her arm. She could hardly think from the headache pounding her skull. Forcing herself to roll over to her side, she opened her eyes. It w as day and the sun w as high up. Probably 10:00 or so, she thought. My God , her arm hurt. She gingerly felt her forehead and a knot the size of Kansas covered half the left side. Her fingers came aw ay sticky w ith congealing blood. She pushed herself to a sitting position w ith her uninjured arm and looked around. She w as definitely not at home. A w ide open expanse stretched out in every direction. Nothing but scrub bushes and skimpy vegetation. How the heck did I get out here, and where’s my car? The last thing she remembered w as—oh yes, the car running into her. That’s it! She had been in a car w reck! Maybe she w as delirious. Made sense...she w as delirious! Nothing else could explain this. Let’s see, if I close my eyes and tap my red shoes together and say “there’s no place like home,” I’ll open my eyes and I’ll be in bed. The only problem w as, she didn’t

eyes and I’ll be in bed. The only problem w as, she didn’t have any red shoes. Definitely hallucinating! The pain in her arm w as excruciating and she needed to find help. She gently probed her arm and decided that there didn’t appear to be any bones out of place, but until it w as x-rayed, she couldn’t be sure. Just touching her arm almost caused her to faint. Better try to sling it, she thought. That w as easier said than done. Fortunately, the plaid drape w as still w rapped around her and after a few unsuccessful attempts, she managed to w rap it tight enough around her shoulder to keep the injured arm somew hat secure. Good thing she still had the w rap, it w as so cold. She could be suffering from exposure, too. W here w as everyone? And w here w as she? Levering herself up, she pushed to a standing position and turned around slow ly. Nothing—absolutely nothing for as far as she could see. She w as alone in the middle of now here. It certainly didn’t look like the country around Ann Arbor, at least not the areas she knew , and it didn’t appear that there w as even a road anyw here nearby. The vastness overw helmed her. Far off in the distance, she could see hills, but she w asn’t able to judge how remote they w ere. I don’t even know w hich w ay to go, she thought, I think I must have been w andering all night, otherw ise, how did I get out here? From the looks of things, she must have been w alking for quite some time, but she certainly didn’t remember it. I w ould kill for a drink of w ater, she thought. Her mouth w as parched and tasted like she had been eating sand. She felt so alone and, other than the sound of the w ind, it w as totally quiet. She couldn’t ever remember being anyw here w here the silence w as so complete. Perhaps someone w as close enough to hear her if she

Perhaps someone w as close enough to hear her if she yelled. “Help!” Nothing. “Is anyone out there?” Nothing again, and yelling only made her head hurt w orse. Surely someone w as looking for her. There w ere other cars on the road and someone w ould have seen the w reck. She w as supposed to be in the booth again today, not out here in the middle of now here. By now , Maeve w ould realize something w as w rong; she probably knew last night. They w ould have to be looking for her; at least she knew Mom w ould. It w as all so confusing and she w asn’t thinking clearly. Her head w as pounding and she just w anted to lie dow n again. I’d better try to find help, she thought, but it looks like the only one w ho is going to help me is—me! W hich direction, though, it all looked the same. Well, north w ould take her into Canada if she w alked far enough. Saline w as kind of southw est of Ann Arbor. Too many hills behind her, though—w as that even east? It looked easier w alking to the w est. West appeared to be the best bet, if that w as w est. W hich w ay w as w est? Getting lost w as not a contingency she had ever planned on. “Okay, the sun comes up in the east and sets in the w est. So the sun is almost directly overhead now . I can either sit here until the sun goes dow n or I start w alking,” she muttered to herself. Having made that highly technical decision, she turned to w hat she considered w as w est and began w alking. Hour after hour she w alked, never seeming to get any closer to the hills or finding any signs of civilization. Night w ould soon fall and, if she didn’t find some sort of shelter, she w ould end up spending another night in the open. That w as a scary thought and not something she found in the least appealing. There might be w ild animals around and heaven knew w hat she w ould do if one of them attacked.

heaven knew w hat she w ould do if one of them attacked. She didn’t know w hat kind of w ild animals might be about, but right now , even a small one w as an unw elcome thought. She had seen a few chipmunk-looking animals and w as pretty confident she could hold her ow n against one of them if they attacked. The pain in her arm had lessened somew hat but she felt like she might be running a fever. She might even be w alking in circles. She didn’t know anything about surviving in the outdoors. How many city girls did? Thirst w as really beginning to be a problem as w ell, but there didn’t appear to be any w ater sources close by. W hy hadn’t someone come for her yet? The sun w as setting and, fortunately, she found a small outcropping of rocks w hich w ould afford at least some protection. If she didn’t find someone soon, she w as going to be in some serious trouble. She w as so tired by now , she w as staggering. Better stay here for the night. She braced herself against one of the larger rocks and low ered herself to the ground. There w ere a number of small stones nearby and she gathered them up in a small pile; at least she might be able to throw them if any w ild animals got too near. To quell the panic that w as threatening to overw helm her, Fiona envisioned herself at her parents’ house, sitting in the kitchen, surrounded by Mom’s prized collection of ceramic roosters. Mom w ould be chattering on about her favorite topic—how to improve Fiona’s life—w hile cooking something truly w onderful. W hat she w ouldn’t do for a cup of hot chocolate right now , or a cup of Mom’s herbal tea, and some food. Her stomach had been rumbling all afternoon, going w ithout food w asn’t helping her condition any. She w as already w eak enough w ithout starving as w ell. Thank God the plaid

w eak enough w ithout starving as w ell. Thank God the plaid drape provided some w armth! She w rapped the stray end around her shoulders, doubling up on the layers. It w as getting colder as the night progressed. W hy w as she here? Nothing made any sense. She couldn’t have w alked that far from the w reck w ithout someone seeing her. She w as in the middle of a populated area and she should have stumbled across someone by now ! Fiona settled dow n near one of the largest rocks, grateful that it blocked most of the w ind. The rocks had heated somew hat from the sun and the ground beneath her w as slightly w arm as w ell. She snuggled in as best she could and tried to relax. A w olf how led in the distance. A wolf howled in the distance! Oh-my-God! Maybe it w as just a coyote. There it w as again! That certainly sounded like a w olf, but then, she really didn’t know the difference betw een a w olf’s how l and a coyote’s. She didn’t even know if she w ould recognize the difference if she actually saw a live one. “Please, please, please,” she pleaded to herself. “Somebody find me.” It w as full dark now and all her imagined fears came to life. If only she had some matches, she could start a fire. There w ere enough dried tw igs around and that might keep the animals aw ay. There w ere snakes in the desert, too, w eren’t there? And for that matter, w hy w as she sitting in a desert, if this w as a desert? There w eren’t any deserts in Michigan that she knew of; prairie land, but no real deserts. For cripe’s sake, Michigan w as know n for its lakes, not open spaces like this. All these thoughts kept running through her brain, around and around until, out of sheer exhaustion, she dozed off. Only to then jerk aw ake, startled by the unfamiliar sounds of the night. During one such heart-stopping moment, she w as

During one such heart-stopping moment, she w as positive she heard something moving stealthily on the other side of the rocks. The night seemed to last forever and the temperature had dropped even more. Would morning ever come? She w rapped her skirt more snugly around her legs and pulled a corner of the drape over her head. She tucked her free hand inside the shaw l and that helped a little. Thank goodness the boots w ere lined; they kept her feet marginally w arm. She w as so grateful for the w ool dress. Its added w armth w as a blessing and she w ouldn’t complain about it itching ever again. Oh, but her arm hurt so badly. Now that the initial shock w as over, it w as a constant aching pain and being cold only made it w orse. “Momma,” she w hispered, “w here are you? I need you.” Only silence greeted her. How could any place in this day and age be this quiet? There should have at least been some airplanes flying overhead once in aw hile, but she hadn’t seen any at all that day. It w as if this part of the country w as separate and apart from the rest of the w orld. Finally, after w hat seemed like an eternity, the sky started to lighten up and daw n broke. Her muscles had stiffened up and she felt bruised up and dow n from her ankles to her neck; and w ith only one good arm, it w as hard standing up. I must look like a truck hit me, she thought…guess w hat, a truck did hit me. Her feet w ere sore from w alking and her mouth w as so dry, she couldn’t even w ork up enough saliva to w et her chapped lips. They had better find her today or she didn’t think she w ould be around much longer. Time to get moving. She still didn’t know w here she w as going, but anything w as better than just sitting around here w aiting.

Chapter Three Kellach slid off his horse and stooped dow n. He had been tracking sign since yesterday morning. The footprints w ere too small for a man, unless one of the yellow men had made them. It w as just a single set of tracks and, from the looks of it, either a child or perhaps a small w oman. Either w ay, it didn’t make sense that anyone w ould be out here alone. It w as hard country and bandits and w ild animals w ere a constant threat to travelers. W hoever it w as, they seemed to be going in the same direction as his traders w ere. Kellach didn’t sense any threat yet, but he w as on the alert just in case. This morning, he found w here the unknow n one had bedded dow n for the night, just a small indentation by a rock, no sign of a fire or any debris left behind. From his calculations, they w ould catch up sometime today. He and his men w ould be ready. Spies from the w ild nomadic tribes to the north could venture this far south. It didn’t make sense, though, usually they raided later in the season, but he w as ever on the alert. He remounted his horse and w heeled it around. The caravan w as a short distance behind him and he and Siran, his second in command, had scouted ahead, as w as their normal behavior. Outriders surrounded the caravan on all sides, as w ell. In the event of an attack, they w ould quickly form up and protect the rest of the train.

form up and protect the rest of the train. Siran caught up w ith him as they neared the first w agon. “You’ve been w atching the ground since morning yesterday,” he commented. “Are w e in danger?” “I don’t see any threat, but I don’t w ant any surprises either.” Siran nodded, “W hat caught your eye then?” “Single traveler, no sign of any others, came from there,” he pointed east. “A single traveler? Do you suppose its one of the northern barbarians? W hat could tempt anyone to w ander out here alone?” “W ho can say? But they don’t appear to have much direction, w hoever they are. Their track goes this w ay and that, never in a straight line.” “Could be they are trying to cover their tracks.” “I don’t think so. If they are, they aren’t doing a very good job of it. Your small son could follow their sign.” “Well, my small son is very big for his age,” Siran bragged, “he’ll be a w arrior by the time he sees tw elve summers.” “I’ve no doubt about that, I just meant w hoever this is, they don’t know how to cover their tracks, and anyone w ould find them easily. They aren’t very far ahead and w e should catch sight of them soon.” He quickly perused the expanse. Other than a haw k circling high above, no other living creature w as visible. “W hat are you going to do w hen w e do catch up?” Siran questioned. “We’ll make that decision w hen w e find them. I don’t w ant any trouble and if they seem friendly, w e’ll let them pass. If not, w ell...” “I’ve been w anting to try out my new throw ing

“I’ve been w anting to try out my new throw ing spear,” Siran w aved his w eapon, “I w ant to be sure the balance is good.” “Just make sure you throw it after w e know if they are hostile,” Kellach commented dryly. “You jump in too fast sometimes and w e don’t w ant more trouble than w e need.” “Too fast? I’ve saved your neck more than once because I w as too fast.” Kellach nodded, he and Siran had grow n up together and on many occasions, they had saved each other’s lives. Their personalities definitely complimented each other. Siran w as hot-tempered and loved to fight. His fiery red hair paid tribute to his fiery nature. Kellach, on the other hand, liked to judge the situation before jumping in. Siran w as the fire, he w as the earth, solid, steady, sustaining. Five large w agons pulled by teams of oxen, a number of hand-pulled carts and several heavily laden camels comprised Kellach’s trade caravan this journey. The trip had been a long and arduous process. They had w intered in Haojing, and most of their bartering had taken place there. Haojing w as a center for trade and w as at the eastern end of the journey. Merchants from everyw here converged for commerce and trade. The jade mined by his people w as of high quality and he had no trouble persuading the yellow vendors to purchase it; as the rulers of the yellow people clamored for jade. Most of the items he bartered for w ould otherw ise be inaccessible to his people, but for traders such as he. The trip to Haojing and back had taken almost a full year and it w ould be good to be home. All in all, it had been an uneventful passage and they had made good time. Nice profits w ere to be had and he had bargained w ell. The w omen of the tribe w ould be pleased w ith the

The w omen of the tribe w ould be pleased w ith the fine silks and brocades, bronze mirrors and scented oils he had bartered for in the east. Their husbands and fathers w ould be hard pressed to part w ith their valuables for his goods and he w ould be the richer for it. This w as to be his last long trip. The trade routes w ere busy this time of year, but they had only encountered tw o or three other such caravans on their w ay home. Thanks be to the Gods for that, he mused, brigands and thieves w ere a constant problem on the trade route. He calculated possibly three more travel days, if all w ent w ell. It w ould be good to see the huts of his people. There w ould be one other short trip to the eastern settlement to barter for more livestock, and w ith the added livestock and the goods he brought back, he planned to set up shop and barter w ith the trade caravans that passed through the oasis. He had been a trader for the past ten years and it w as time to settle dow n and find a w ife—one w ithout too much family, he thought. Kellach and Siran road in silence, each w ith their ow n thoughts, alert to any untow ard movements outside the confines of the caravan. Kellach’s keen eyes spied a small movement far off in the distance. “I think w e’ve found our traveler,” he commented. He w histled and w aved for the outriders to move in closer to the w agons, and he, Siran and a number of scouts galloped ahead to investigate. Fiona staggered, forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other. Somew here along the w ay, she had tw isted her ankle and w as only able to hobble along at a snail’s pace. She w as sure that, off in the distance, she could see trees and a w ater line, if she could only w alk that far. She w as probably hallucinating, but it gave her a reason

far. She w as probably hallucinating, but it gave her a reason to keep going. It w as hard to think now , things w ere too disjointed and she w asn’t able to concentrate. Thirst ravaged her and pain w racked her body, both from the injured arm and the tw isted ankle. Keep going, she urged herself, you don’t w ant to die out here, do you? One foot in front of the other, just keep going. She w as leaning heavily on a w alking stick she’d stumbled over earlier and muttering softly to herself. Kellach and his scouts rode up and stopped a short distance behind Fiona. “Looks like an old hag,” Kellach commented, “all bent over and raving.” Siran looked nervous, “Maybe she’s a sorceress! I don’t w ant trouble w ith a sorceress! We w ould never see the end of it.” Fiona thought she heard talking, but it w as probably just another hallucination. Just great, she w as hearing things now as w ell. She couldn’t keep going much longer, but dying w asn’t so frightening now . Just to lie dow n and give up w ould be a relief. Nothing could be any w orse than this. “W hat should w e do,” Siran asked, “the old hag doesn’t even seem to be aw are of us?” “Maybe w e should just ride aw ay and leave her be,” Kellach looked at the rest. They all nodded agreement. “Better that than be cursed forever,” Darach, the youngest of the group said. They w ere a superstitious lot and prayed to the Sun God, the Horse god, and even the four w inds and the elements for protection. Kellach didn’t place much w eight on their Gods, but he didn’t try to anger them either. They nervously w aited Kellach’s command as the horses stamped impatiently. There it w as again, Fiona thought, I definitely heard

There it w as again, Fiona thought, I definitely heard something this time . She slow ly turned around and gasped. She w as definitely hallucinating now . It appeared to her muddled mind that horsemen w ere standing in a line behind her. Because of the sun’s positioning and her injured eye, she w asn’t able to really see them clearly, but from their outline, they almost looked like Indians. But, no, the sun glinted off w hat appeared to be shades of blonde, red and brow n hair. Perhaps they w ere from the Festival, they certainly looked the part. It w as all just too confusing and she couldn’t grasp the significance of w hat w as occurring. Kellach’s men recoiled. The crone’s visage w as a nightmare to be sure. The left side of her face w as a mass of purplish bruises and her left eye w as sw ollen shut. Dried blood covered the right side of face and her lips w ere sw ollen and cracked. She appeared to be ancient, so bent over w as she. A shaw l covered her head, and strands of dirty w hite hair hung around her face. Her clothing w as filthy and torn in a good number of places. From a quick perusal, Kellach could see that she had tied her left arm to her body and w as leaning heavily on the stick she carried. Fiona dropped to her knees, “Thank God,” she croaked, “I had almost given up. W hat took you so long?” She almost didn’t recognize her ow n voice; it w as so hoarse and gravelly sounding. Kellach looked around the group, “Do any of you understand w hat she said?” They all looked blank. He glanced dow n the line and mostly “no’s” and shrugs w ere their answ ers. “Siran, you’re good w ith dialects, is it anything like any of the tribes around here? Try talking to her.” “I didn’t recognize anything she said—not anything,” Siran shrugged. He leaned slightly ahead over his horse’s

Siran shrugged. He leaned slightly ahead over his horse’s neck and called loudly, “W ho are you?” The crone didn’t answ er and appeared as though she hadn’t heard him. One of the horsemen said something, but she w as too confused to be able to understand him. Fiona coughed and tried again, “I’m really thirsty, could I possibly have some w ater, or better yet, Gatorade, if you have some. I’m pretty dehydrated. You know , Gatorade, Gatorade?” The horsemen all shrugged, shook their heads and looked at each other—w hat w as this “Gatorad” the hag w as saying over and over. Perhaps it w as her name. “Okay, guys, this is all very entertaining and you’re definitely staying in character, but I’m hurt and I need to get to a hospital. Please,” Fiona pleaded. Kellach looked at the others, “She seems to be asking for something, but I don’t know w hat.” “She’s probably cursing us for eternity,” Elochad, one of the older scouts said. Nervously, they looked around. “W hy w ould she curse us? We’ve done nothing to her,” Siran said and received nods of agreement from the others. As in unison, they all turned back to Fiona. Fiona sighed heavily, too tired and disoriented to even get mad, “Okay, guys, I’ll play your game. I’ll do anything if it gets me something to drink.” She turned her head slightly to the side, tipped her chin up and pretended to drink from a cup. Durlach exclaimed, “She w ants a drink of w ater!” He beamed as though he had made an important discovery. Kellach nodded in agreement, “Go give her your w aterskin.” “My w aterskin! W hy mine? W hy do I alw ays have to be the one? W hat if she tries to poison me?” Durlach argued.

argued. “If she does, then it’ll be over for you and you w on’t have to w orry anymore. Just give her your w ater,” Kellach commanded. Behind the horsemen, a train of w agons and camels escorted by more horsemen pulled up and stopped. Fiona studied them, they w ere most certainly another part of her delusion, but they w ere a colorful sight in the drab surroundings. Strong hues of red, blue and brow n decorated the w agons w ith myriad designs and symbols. The camels w ere scary looking beasts, but if they offered her a ride on one of them, she w ouldn’t refuse. Durlach slow ly climbed dow n from his horse and pulled the w ater skin off. He cautiously edged tow ard Fiona and, as he neared her, she reached out to take the skin. Her movement so startled him, he fell over backw ards and scrambled w ildly out of reach. Snickers sounded and a few of the men laughed outright. Durlach w hirled around and glared at them. Tanith, Siran’s w ife and Kellach’s younger sister, jumped off the first w agon and w alked around to the front of the horses. “Is this w hat has been w orrying you for the past tw o days?” she questioned. “I w as expecting an attack, not this poor thing.” She w alked over to Fiona and knelt dow n. “She’s badly hurt—w hy haven’t you helped her?” she said over her shoulder. She uncorked the w aterskin and tilted it up to Fiona’s mouth. “I can’t believe you let her sit here and did nothing,” her eyes flashed angrily. “Stop your nagging,” Siran scolded her. “We w ere just deciding w hat to do.” “Deciding w hat to do?! W hat’s there to decide? She’s hurt and w e help her, it’s very simple.”

hurt and w e help her, it’s very simple.” Tanith took the w aterskin aw ay from Fiona and patted her gently, “That’s enough for now .” Fiona reached for the w aterskin again, but the young w oman shook her head “no.” The young w oman had a kind face and she appeared to be trying to help, but Fiona w as at a loss to understand w hat she w as saying. It all sounded like Greek to her and she w as too tired and ill to make sense of it, not that she knew how to speak Greek anyw ay. “Help me get her into the w agon,” Tanith ordered. Kellach nodded at his men and tw o of them slipped off their horses. Under Tanith’s direction, they lifted Fiona gently up, carried her to the w agon and laid her dow n on a makeshift bed of furs. Tanith stooped dow n beside her, “You poor thing, just look at you. I w onder how long you’ve been w andering out here,” she said. She covered Fiona up w ith one of the bed throw s and began to unw rap the plaid drape from Fiona’s shoulders. Fiona gasped and tears sprang up in her eyes. “That hurt you, did it?” Tanith said, “Well, let’s get a look at that arm.” The w ool sleeve of the w oman’s dress w as ripped to shreds and Tanith used a sharp knife to cut the remainder of the sleeve off. The poor thing’s arm w as badly sw ollen and almost black in appearance. Tanith probed the arm as gently as she could and w ith every touch, her patient cringed in pain. “Just a little more and I’ll be done,” she crooned as she finished her examination. “Well, I’m pretty sure your arm’s broken but I think w e’ll just w rap it up and leave it for now . Not much else w e can do. If you last until w e get home, I’ll have the yellow healer look at it.” Her patient regarded her blankly. “Can you understand anything I say?”

I say?” The w agon started off again w ith a lurch and the w oman cried out. Tanith stroked her forehead and spoke soothingly to her. Soon the w agon settled into a regular rhythm and she quieted. It w as w armer here inside the w agon, the cover provided shelter from the never-ending w ind and the sun’s glare. The w agon w as loaded w ith merchandise bartered for in the east, as w ell as miscellaneous cooking utensils and personal items that Tanith had collected for the journey. The bed in w hich the w oman rested belonged to Tanith and her young son, Machar. The men generally slept out in the open. Machar had escaped to join Siran at the front of the caravan w hen Tanith brought in the injured w oman. Her face softened as a vision of Machar flashed through her mind. A tiny replica of Siran, he w as a row dy and curious four year old, and w ould one day be a fine w arrior. Fiona eyed the w oman above her. The w oman w as talking softly in that strange language again. I w onder w hy she isn’t speaking English, everyone speaks English these days, she thought. The w oman appeared to be young, healthy and quite tall. Her dark blonde hair w as braided in w hat best could be described as cornrow s and tied at the back w ith a leather thong. Her features w ere pleasant, handsome rather than pretty, and w hen she smiled, dimples deepened each cheek. Small tattoos in horizontal lines decorated the outermost points of her cheekbones. She had discarded a fur skin w rap upon entering the w agon and her underclothing consisted of a tunic in bright blue, w ith straight sleeves reaching to just below her elbow s and a calf-length leather skirt. Bracelets decorated her arms and she sported a strange necklace, perhaps a torque, if that w as the w ord, Fiona thought. Her bright blue eyes

w as the w ord, Fiona thought. Her bright blue eyes questioned Fiona and though she appeared to be friendly, a look of concern marred her features. Fiona pointed at the w aterskin again and the w oman lifted her head up and helped her to take another drink. “Thank you,” Fiona w hispered. The w oman tilted her head as if to understand better and regarded her questioningly. Fiona attempted to smile, but her mouth refused to respond. The w oman seemed to understand, though, and patted her gently. She reached over and began to clean Fiona’s face w ith a soft cloth. On close examination, Tanith could tell that the w oman w as much younger than first assumed. She w as small by their standards, but a w oman full grow n by the shape of her. Most of the w omen she knew w ere tall, often as tall as the men, unless you considered the w omen of the yellow people, they w ere all small. This one w as too delicate to be one of her people and it w as impossible to really tell w hat she looked like, given the condition of her face. “Your poor face, just look at you, w ho w ould do such a thing?” she said as she gently w iped the dirt and grime aw ay. Someone had abused this young w oman sorely and it w ould be sometime before the bruises and sw elling w ould be gone. As she cleaned the young w oman’s face, Tanith noted that the skin on the uninjured side of her face w as very soft and, except for a few small cuts, w as clear and unblemished. Cleaned of the grime, her right eye w as beautiful, large and a clear light green, the color of spring leaves, w ith long dark lashes all around. Tanith w orked the headdress off her patient’s head and, even though tangled and dirty, her hair w as long and thick. The color reminded her of a new born lamb’s w ool, almost w hite. Tanith smoothed it out

new born lamb’s w ool, almost w hite. Tanith smoothed it out as best she could and then braided it loosely. She w orked quickly and quietly and eventually had the w oman cleaned up and resting more comfortably. Fiona w as beginning to relax under the w oman’s ministrations. Her pain had eased somew hat and feeling safer than she had for some time, she allow ed unconsciousness to finally overtake her. Tanith w aited a few moments to be sure she w as resting soundly and then climbed out of the moving w agon. She w alked quickly ahead and soon joined Siran and Machar at the front of the train. Machar w as riding in front of Siran, and she reached up and lifted him dow n. “Run back to the w agon and w atch over the sick w oman for me,” she instructed him, “and let me know if she w akes.” Machar drew himself up, proud that he w as given such an important job. “I’ll run fast and I w on’t move at all,” he said and off he ran. “Don’t make my son into a nursemaid,” Siran gently rebuked her. “It’ll take more than that to make a nursemaid of him,” she retorted. Tanith w atched until she w as sure Machar w as safe in the w agon and then turned to Siran. “Well, I’ve done all I can for now . The rest is up to her.” “Do you think she’ll live,” Siran questioned. “She’s young, that’s in her favor, and she appears healthy otherw ise. She’s running a fever, but that’s to be expected.” “I thought she w as old.” “I thought so, too, until I cleaned her up. I w ould guess she’s probably around the same age as me, maybe a little older. I w onder w here she came from.”

little older. I w onder w here she came from.” “Maybe she’s a runaw ay slave, or she could be one of the w omen destined for the harems to the south.” “Possibly, but her clothing w as too fine by far for a slave. The cloth of her dress w as the finest w ool I have seen, far better than any w oven by our w omen, and w e have some of the finest w eavers around. Only a w oman of some importance w ould have a dress so fine.” “She could have escaped from one of the northern nomad’s tents.” “I doubt it, once a w oman enters one of their tents; no one ever sees them again.” She w alked quietly beside Siran’s horse for a few moments, dark thoughts clouded her mind. Raiders from the tribes to the north took tw o or three w omen each year and, despite efforts to find them, none had ever returned. Their fates w ere left to the Gods. “Mayhap she has a brutal husband and she w as escaping from him,” Tanith voiced, “although she didn’t appear afraid.” Siran reached dow n and rubbed her shoulder affectionately. “If that’s her story, then she’s better off w ith us. If there’s trouble looking for her, maybe they’ll think she’s dead and forget about her.” Kellach rode back and joined them. Tanith eyed him appreciatively. He might be her brother, but he w as one of the finest looking men she had ever seen, next to Siran. Taller than most, few men could match the breadth of his shoulders or the strength of his arms, or his long muscular legs. A shaggy mane of dark blonde hair hung to his shoulders, held back by a leather thong. None could dispute the fairness of his face, although it w as chiseled and masculine. Tattooing w as a customary and usual practice among the people and a bird of prey rode high on Kellach’s

among the people and a bird of prey rode high on Kellach’s left cheek, extending up to his forehead. His mouth w as sculpted and w hen he smiled, dimples danced in his cheeks. But it w as his eyes that held you, they w ere the color of w arm honey, an unusual color among the tribe, and it w as said he could see into one’s soul. To be sure, there w asn’t an unmarried w oman in the village that didn’t harbor secret hopes that one day she w ould be mated to Kellach, and every mother of an unmarried daughter kept tight rein w henever Kellach w as around. He w as a skilled w arrior, as w ell as a Lord of the people, and his holdings w ere vast. A w oman chosen by him w ould be gifted indeed. Tanith knew him to be a good man and a fair one, as w ell. “How does the w oman fare?” he asked. “She’s resting, I think better, but it w ill be a few days before w e know more.” “Do w hat you can for her, though I think perhaps she w as left to die. Decisions w ill have to be made, if she does survive,” he said. Fiona moved restlessly, and consciousness came slow ly as something tickled her face. She slow ly opened her good eye. She w as nose-to-nose w ith a small red-haired angel. They stared at each other for a few moments. She must be dead, she thought, and w ith that thought, drifted off again. Machar scrambled dow n the side of the w agon. “Momma, Momma” he yelled as he ran tow ards Tanith, “she opened her eye!” Tanith turned and caught Machar as he ran tow ards them, “Did she w ake up?” “No, she just opened her eye and looked at me, and then she closed it again,” he said excitedly. Tanith smiled and ruffled his hair. “Were you bothering her?”

her?” “No, Momma,” he exclaimed. “I w as being very quiet and just w atched her.” Tanith scooped him up and sat him on her hip. “I’ve no doubt you w ere doing a very good job,” she said and kissed his chubby little cheek. She lifted Machar up to Kellach, “W ouldn’t you like a fine son of your ow n?” Kellach hugged Machar to him. “W hy, w hen I can just have this one, he’s already here,” and began to tickle Machar. “Stop that,” Tanith said, “or he’ll never settle dow n tonight and it w ill be you w ho sits up w ith him.” “Then w e’ll just have to guard the camp together, w on’t w e Machar?” “Yes, but I’ll need Papa’s spear,” Machar looked hopefully at Siran. “Soon, my son,” Siran said, “but I might have need of it myself this night.” “But I might need it to kill the bad men,” he cried and w aved his arm as if throw ing a spear. “Perhaps you’d better guard your mother,” Kellach said as he lifted Machar dow n to Tanith. “She needs a strong w arrior to protect her.” Machar solemnly nodded his agreement and allow ed Tanith to take him back to the w agon.

Chapter Four For the next three days, the w agons rolled relentlessly on, bumping and bouncing over rocks and ruts. These last days had seemed the longest of the trip and all w ere eager to catch sight of the settlement. The foreign w oman’s fever raged and Tanith w as only able to force w ater and thin broth dow n her throat. She brew ed a tea from the healing herbs purchased in the east and forced the w oman to drink that as w ell. The w oman tossed and turned and cried out in that strange tongue, and Tanith w as afraid that her life force w as leaving her. Each time the w agon pitched, the w oman cried out in agony and w ould move restlessly about. Worried that she might further injure her arm, Tanith tied her to the bed w ith soft rags. She sponged the w oman w ith w ater to bring the fever dow n and w hen tremors gripped her and her teeth w ould chatter, Tanith piled skins and bed drapes on. Finally, the fever abated and the w oman lay quiet. Her color improved somew hat and Tanith believed the w orst has passed. The sw elling around her eye had gone dow n and the bruising had faded somew hat. The arm w as still sw ollen but w as no longer so black in appearance. Late in the day, Tanith finally climbed dow n out of the w agon. She drew deep breaths of air and stretched her back. It had been a grueling three days caring for the w oman, but from all appearances, the w oman w ould

w oman, but from all appearances, the w oman w ould survive. Siran dropped back and slow ed his horse to a w alk beside her. “Kellach thinks w e w ill be home by nightfall.” “It w on’t be too soon for me,” she replied “I w ould sleep in my ow n home for a change.” They had follow ed the course of the W hite Jade River for some time and the settlement rested w est of the river near the edge of the desert. The yellow people called it the Place of No Return . Many w ent in but many did not come out, and only a fool made the journey during the hottest months of the summer. Kellach rode ahead of the group. Scouts from the village had been spotted in the distance and he knew it w as only a matter of time before the first ones reached the caravan. A cloud of dust raced ahead of the others and as it neared, the horse and rider grew more distinct. He recognized the horse, a young black stallion he had gifted a few years ago to a young cousin. The horse w as galloping hard, the rider bent low over his neck. At the last moment, the rider leaned back and pulled hard on the reins, causing the horse to rear as it came to a stop. The young man leapt from the horse and ran up to Kellach. He had a merry face and snapping blue eyes below a shock of auburn hair. “I slipped out from under the noses of the patrols and beat them here,” he laughed. Kellach scow led dow n at the youth, “Had I know n you w ould treat the animal that w ay, I w ould have kept him for myself.” Kellach eyed the youth fondly. He had grow n over a head taller in the last year and, at thirteen summers, had changed from a boy to a young man. “How did you get past the patrol w ithout being seen?” he questioned. “I have my w ays! It’s easy,” he shrugged casually. “Once I get past them, I w histle for Uasail,” he pointed to

“Once I get past them, I w histle for Uasail,” he pointed to the horse, “and w e ride aw ay. They haven’t caught me yet.” Kellach shook his head, “I must have a talk w ith the Council and advise them that their patrols are lax, otherw ise, you w ould not be here.” “I go w here I w ant to,” Cyrnan bragged, “and w ith Uasail, I am too fast for them.” Kellach jumped dow n and hugged the young man. Cyrnan had long been a favorite of his and he w as pleased to see him. Cyrnan w as Kellach’s w ard, but because of his regular absences, Cyrnan resided w ith Kellach’s parents. “W hat new s?” he asked the lad. “More raids from the nomads to the north, w e lost another w oman right before w inter. Etain passed this w inter,” Cyrnan said softly. “She had been ailing and w e found her one morning dead. Your mother has been directing your household since that time.” Kellach w as saddened. Etain had been his nursemaid and he had brought her w ith him w hen he w ent out on his ow n. In truth, Etain had been more family than servant. He w ould miss her greatly. W hen he returned from the w estern settlements, he w ould have need of another head servant. “The older w omen are w orking hard to put together a feast for your return,” Cyrnan commented slyly, “and the young w omen are rushing around putting on their best finery and painting their faces. Their mamas are turning vigilant.” He grinned and quickly ducked as Kellach lunged for him. “Voadicia has commanded your attendance as soon as you arrive,” he said, looking w orried. “She only brings trouble that one. Alstrom took her as second w ife this w inter past and she is gaining pow er every day. We must

w inter past and she is gaining pow er every day. We must tread lightly around her.” Kellach pondered this unw elcome new s. Alstrom w as the Chieftain of their tribe. He w as w ell loved by all and w as know n as a kind and generous man. Voadicia, on the other hand, craved pow er and for Alstrom to take Voadicia as a w ife, even a second w ife, boded ill for all of them. It w as also true that before Kellach left on this last journey, she made it clear to Kellach that she w anted Kellach as her consort and meant to have him. “W hat does the Council say?” “They fear her and her priestesses. She uses her pow ers for naught but evil.” This w as a bad turn of events. Even before he left, Voadicia had been gaining pow er and it now seemed she w anted even more. Having the priestesses as her minions aided her quest to gain control over many things that should be left to the decisions of the Council. In the last few generations, members of the tribe had taken yellow w ives, due in part to the shortage of suitable w omen. It w as also common practice for many of the older men to take yellow w omen as second w ives. Voadicia w as the progeny of one of the older lords and a yellow w oman of the nearby peaceful tribe. Kellach had know n Voadicia since her girlhood and, back then, she had been quiet and biddable, though isolated and ignored because of her tainted parentage. She changed as the years passed and, now , none w ere as greedy and insatiable for pow er as w as Voadicia. She w as hated and feared by many. There w ere those that said she w as a sorceress, and more than one w ho held her in opposition had disappeared w ithout a trace. The outriders formed up near the caravan and an air

The outriders formed up near the caravan and an air of excitement permeated the entire train. The sky w as darkening as the farthermost borders of the settlement came into view . Many of the inhabitants had gathered to greet them and there w as much laughing and good cheer. A few stray curs raced around barking and flocks of sheep, cattle and horses grazed peacefully nearby. They passed through the periphery of the village. Smaller round mudand-w attle huts w ith conical roofs lined the avenue. Children begged and held their hands out for tidbits or searched out fathers and brothers. It w as a joyous occasion and easily a reason for a night of feasting. It w as good to be home.

Chapter Five Inside the w agon, Fiona slow ly aw oke. The cacophony of sounds invaded her brain and she w as at a loss to make sense of them. Her mind w as clearer than it had been for some time, yet she w as confused by the rattle of the w agon and the strange language everyone seemed to be speaking. She w as not able to decipher any of the spoken w ords. To her know ledge, there w ere no places in the United States w here English w asn’t the major language. She tried to rise up from the pallet but, in her w eakened state, w as only able to roll slightly on her side. The w agon bumped along and finally came to a stop. A small boy craw led in the w agon and leaned over her and babbled something. “W hat?” Fiona said, “Say that again, please.” The little boy babbled something again. He must not be able to talk yet, Fiona thought, but he certainly looked old enough from her view to be able to speak clearly. Maybe he has special needs. Fiona looked at him, “Could you get me a drink,” and she made a drinking motion. The little one turned and jumped out of the w agon. A moment later, the w oman from her fevered dreams climbed in. “So you’re aw ake,” Tanith said. No response, only a blank look. Having no idea again w hat the blonde w oman w as saying, and beginning to believe that she didn’t speak

saying, and beginning to believe that she didn’t speak English either, Fiona smiled and pointed to the w aterskin. “Oh, you w ant a drink, of course,” Tanith reached over quickly and uncorked the w aterskin. She helped Fiona to sit up and Fiona took a long drink. The w ater tasted stale and w arm, but it w as w et and she w as grateful. Several fierce looking men w ith facial tattoos and longish hair came into the w agon and lifted Fiona up. They certainly didn’t look like anyone she knew and, truthfully, she w as a little frightened of them. Armbands graced their upper arms and the older one’s face w as covered by a full bushy beard and mustache. Both had tattoos on their faces, several in fact, mostly lines in varying sizes. They w eren’t the best smelling men she had ever encountered either. Maybe deodorant isn’t a big deal here. But then they had been on the road for aw hile and perhaps bathing hadn’t been particularly easy. As they lifted her out of the w agon, she glanced around. Darkness had fallen and she w asn’t able to clearly see much of her surroundings. The w oman w ith the braided hair gestured for the men to carry her inside one of the more elaborate buildings w hich, along w ith several others, formed a semi-circle around a central square. They set her dow n on a raised bed covered w ith sheepskins and w ool throw s w hich rested in the far corner of the large room. A fire w as burning in the open fire pit and the glow from oil lamps placed haphazardly throughout the room seemed to be the only visible means of light. Fiona glanced around the dw elling. The room seemed to encompass the living room, kitchen, and bedroom, all in one area, w ith drapes hanging from the ceiling to separate the living quarters. There didn’t appear to be any sign of electrical usage anyw here. No sign of a television, radio, or telephone.

television, radio, or telephone. It w as good to be home, Tanith reflected, and staying in one place w ould be a relief. There w ere so many dangers on the road. They had been lucky in that they had only lost tw o of their group on the long trip. She opted to travel w ith Siran; otherw ise, it w ould have been too long w ithout him. Besides, w ith her and Machar along, Siran w as less apt to get himself in trouble, as he w ould have her to deal w ith. She quickly brew ed some healing tea and brought a cup to her patient. The w oman smiled and accepted the hot drink. Tanith took that moment to do a quick examination. The w oman’s color w as greatly improved, and the sw elling around her eye w as almost nonexistent. The bruising w as still quite evident but definitely improved. Tanith unw rapped the arm and, though still very tender to the touch, no telltale streaks of red could be seen and it w as cooler to the touch. She w as satisfied the w oman w as healing and, if the Gods w ere good, w ould survive. Siran came in carrying Machar, “Don’t w orry about preparing food; the w omen have prepared a feast in the great hall.” Tanith shook her head, “You go ahead, Machar is tired and so is the w oman, I’ll stay here w ith them.” She took Machar from his father and settled him on the bed next to the w oman. Machar promptly poked his finger in the w oman’s sore eye. “Ouch,” the w oman squeaked. Tanith scolded the child—Fiona guessed—and the boy ducked his head, appearing chastised. Although disgruntled by the little imp’s actions, Fiona chuckled. The child grinned at her and scrambled dow n off the bed. The man w alked over and looked at her carefully. Fiona returned his look, squirming under his close perusal. “She’ll be a beauty w hen the bruising finally goes,” he said to Tanith.

to Tanith. Tanith nodded her head in agreement, “Kellach is in for a big surprise.” “W hat has this to do w ith Kellach?” he questioned her. “Well, something has to be done w ith her—and he found her.” Siran laughed, “True, and he w ill need another housekeeper w hen he gets back from his trip to purchase breeding stock.” He added carefully, “Cyrnan mentioned that old Etain died w hile w e w ere gone.” Tanith’s face clouded. She too had been raised by Etain and w ould sorely miss her. “Perhaps the w oman could take Etain’s place, Kellach w ill need a housekeeper and this one w ouldn’t have anyone to interfere or cause any trouble for him.” Siran agreed, “She w ill need someplace to go w hen she heals, unless you w ant her here w ith us.” Tanith laughed, “One w oman in this household is enough for you and me. Do not breathe a w ord of this to Kellach. I think w e should w ait to discuss the matter w ith him w hen he returns. Perhaps by then, she w ill be strong enough to prove her w orth to him.” Siran nuzzled her neck and cuddled her against him, “Mayhap I should stay home tonight and forego the feast. Our bed beckons and I think you have need of some attention.” “Unless I am mistaken, w e have a guest in our bed,” Tanith responded regretfully. She pulled his face dow n and kissed him soundly. Privacy had been in short supply on the journey and she had looked forw ard to his nearness. Fiona w atched the couple. It w as obvious they w ere more than just friends. They must be married, she thought,

more than just friends. They must be married, she thought, and the child is theirs. Her memory of the last few days w as full of great lapses, just small glimpses now and then. She did seem to remember, though, riding in some sort of cart for a long time. Her injuries certainly w ere taking a toll on her stamina and she w as still too w eak to make any sense of this. She should have been taken to a hospital, but it appeared that w asn’t going to happen anytime soon. Although she w anted to learn more, w eariness overcame her and she succumbed to sleep.

Chapter Six Kellach moved through the crow d of revelers in the great hall. Great rashers of food loaded the long tables, w ine and fermented milk flow ed freely. Sinuous, scantilyclad dancers w rithed to the pounding of drums and flutes and many w ere captured by the w atchers as they slid by. He caught sight of his men scattered throughout the feasting and they shouted and w aved. From every corner, his named w as hailed and, w ith his promise to return, he continued on. Kellach entered the Chieftain’s great house, but other than servants hurrying about, no one appeared to be present. He w as here in response to Voadicia’s summons, but only because he w ished to, not because she demanded. His position as a Lord afforded him the freedom not permitted to lesser members and only Alstrom and the Council held sw ay over him. The room w as vast and candles guttered on every w all. The only furnishing w as the Chieftain’s massive chair, w hich sat on a raised dais at the far end. Living quarters w ere attached through an archw ay to the left and it w as through this opening that Voadicia entered. She appeared unsurprised by his arrival and strolled seductively across the open floor. Kellach w as struck, as he alw ays w as, by her dark beauty, so at odds w ith the tribal w omen.

dark beauty, so at odds w ith the tribal w omen. Black hair hung straight to her knees, held in place by a gold headband inlayed w ith precious stones. Her dark eyes slanted upw ards at the outer corners, in the manner of her mother’s people. Her skin w as the color of old ivory and he knew from experience that it w as soft and supple. A solid gold torque w rapped her neck, and gold arm bands and bracelets adorned her arms. A tunic of black silk, held at her shoulders by tw o large gold pins, draped to mid-calf, and ankle jew elry tinkled as she w alked. From the manner in w hich the silk molded to her skin, it w as obvious that she w ore nothing underneath. Her rouged lips w ere full and, at present, w ere stretched in a predatory smile. As she neared, she reached out and ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders, pressing against him. He felt her heat through the layers of his clothing. “I w as expecting you sooner, my love,” she w hispered. “I have sorely missed you.” The scented oil she w ore w afted around him and, unw illingly, he felt his body respond. He had been too long w ithout a w oman. An image of a snake tw ining around his body flashed through his mind. Resisting an urge to push her roughly aw ay, he reached up, lifted her arms from around his neck and stepped back. “As you commanded, I am here.” “You w ould not have come had I not commanded?” she questioned sharply. “I thought w e w ere so much more than that.” “W hat do you w ant, Voadicia? I w ould finish our business and be gone.” Again, she pressed up against him and again, he stepped back. Her eyes flared, “You’ve changed since you’ve been aw ay, I w ould not have thought so.” “You have become w ife to Alstrom,” he responded,

“You have become w ife to Alstrom,” he responded, “or had you forgotten that.” “Only second w ife,” she sneered, “but soon I w ill be first w ife.” “How do you plan to do that?” Kellach questioned her. “Briga holds that title.” “Briga is old, she w ants nothing more than to sit w ith her servants and sew . She w ould not care if I became first w ife.” “Does she know that you plan to get rid of her?” Voadicia stepped aw ay. “She has made no mention to me or anyone that she finds her position precarious. I do not plan to get rid of her,” she said carefully. “I w ould only take the burden from her shoulders and leave her to her few pleasures. Besides, Alstrom spends most of his time w ith me.” Kellach’s mind w hirled. Voadicia’s first, last and only interest w as centered around w hat w ould benefit her. If Voadicia became first w ife, she w ould reap the pow ers currently conferred upon Briga. Briga had been w ife to Alstrom for many years and, sadly, no children had blessed their union. She w as older, but her experiences had forged her into an open-minded and fair judge. Voadicia w ould not be such. Only those w ho kow tow ed to Voadicia w ould benefit from her control. That she w ould seek to hold sw ay over Briga w as outrageous. “Does Alstrom hope his seed w ill find fertile soil in you?” “I am not Alstrom’s brood mare,” she sneered. “Unless you bear him children, you could not become first w ife,” he goaded her, “or have you forgotten that?” Voadicia w hirled on him, “Be careful w hat you say, lover,” she grated. “My patience w ears thin.”

lover,” she grated. “My patience w ears thin.” “W ithout children, the Council w ould never allow Alstrom to declare you as first w ife, only clan w omen have that right.” Voadicia’s eyes narrow ed and her mouth became an ugly red slash, “I am clan by right of my father. Alstrom w ill do w hat I say w hen I tell him to.” Kellach mulled over her w ords, “Has Alstrom become so w eak during my absence?” “Alstrom has alw ays been w eak w here a beautiful w oman is concerned,” she mocked. “I had but to smile at him and show him some small interest and he w as mine.” Kellach w as mystified—this w as not the man he follow ed. Alstrom w as a formidable adversary and ruled w ith an iron hand. He became Chieftain because of his prow ess and ability to lead, not by birthright. It made no sense that he w ould allow this sorceress to hold sw ay over him and rule in his stead. “I see no reason w hy Alstrom w ould invoke the w rath of the Council to appease you.” “The Council w avers daily; I believe they can be convinced to allow a slight change in my position.” “I think you see w hat you w ish to see. The Council is many things, but unw ise they are not.” “You have been gone a long time and things are not as they w ere. There are those w ho fear the raiders from the north and I and my priestesses have made many sacrifices to the Goddess and their fears are lessened by the good omens I bring.” “Sacrifice? You w ould bring back the old w ays?” “There are many w ho still follow the w ays of the Goddess and soon w e w ill step forw ard and take our rightful place.”

rightful place.” Alstrom entered the hall, “W hat place do you speak?” Voadicia turned to him, a false smile on her face. “My love, w e w ere speaking of my place at your side, w ere w e not?” Her eyes dared Kellach to disagree. “We spoke of many things, my Lord; her place w as only one of them.” Alstrom smiled and pulled Voadicia to him, “Is she not beautiful, my new w ife?” Kellach allow ed himself a mere w hisper of a smile, “Aye, my Lord, she is beautiful.” Beautiful like a snake, he thought. “Her beauty w ould confound most men.” Alstrom laughed and nuzzled Voadicia, “I find myself barely able to think w hen she is near. I fear I act like a fool w here she is concerned.” Voadicia pushed him aw ay, her face betraying little emotion. “You stink of w ine and cheap w omen, I cannot bear the smell. Do not come to me w ith such a stench on you.” Alstrom’s good humor fell aw ay. “You do me dishonor to speak to me thus in the presence of others.” “The dishonor is not yours, my Lord,” disdained Kellach. “None has the right to disgrace you, much less a second w ife.” Fury blazed from Voadicia’s eyes as she w hirled and stalked from the room. “I regret her w ords, she is young and still needs to learn her place,” Alstrom apologized. He studied Kellach carefully, his eyes troubled. “Mayhap I made a w rong choice w hen I took her to w ife.” Kellach hesitated, searching for the right reply, “Your choices are your ow n to make, my Lord, w e but seek to serve you.”

serve you.” “Ah, Kellach, ever the statesman. I have sorely missed your company. Come, let us join the feast and you can enlighten me w ith tales of your adventures in the land to the east.” He slapped Kellach on the back as they stepped from the great hall into the sea of revelers.

Chapter Seven Kellach arose early the next morning. Provisions w ere needed for the journey to the eastern settlement and he w anted everything in readiness to leave in three days’ time. The feasting last night had lasted w ell into the early hours of the morning and he doubted any of his men w ould be w illing or able to aid him. He had left before the feasting concluded, his meeting w ith Voadicia still sour in his mouth. Kellach searched out Durlach. Mayhap he and a few of the others survived the night. Durlach w as now here to be found. A smile w idened his lips, Durlach had been buried in the bosom of a strapping w ench last he saw him and he had no doubt that it w ould be sometime before Durlach surfaced. Cyrnan’s face came to mind. He w as young and eager; perhaps he and his other young friends w ould be w illing to help. He had no problem locating Cyrnan and a group of his friends accompanied him. The marketplace w as crow ded w ith vendors and haw kers and almost everything he required could be purchased here. He moved quickly through the vendors of trade goods and moved on to the food vendors. Dried fruits, smoked meats and hard flat bread w ere to be had from merchants keen on attracting the strolling patrons. Kellach searched out those he had dealt w ith in the past, know n for being evenhanded and, in no time, he w as

know n for being evenhanded and, in no time, he w as haggling on prices. Kellach drove hard bargains, the merchants even harder, but in the end, all w ere content. Cyrnan and his friends w ere soon laboring under the w eight of his purchases and it w as time to deliver them to his storehouse. “W ill you let me join you this time?” Cyrnon asked hopefully as he stepped up beside him. He w as anxious to prove his manhood and Kellach w as his best hope. His ow n father had died w hen he w as very young and he looked to Kellach to fill that need. He w as not disappointed. Kellach considered his request, “Not this time. My mother still has need of help and it w ill be some time before I am able to fully take on that responsibility.” Cyrnon’s face fell. “I w ill be an old man before I have the chance to do anything important,” he complained. Kellach laughed, “You w ill have your chance soon enough. Don’t be too eager to give up the reins of youth. You w ill be a man soon enough.” “I am already a man,” Cyrnon objected. “It’s just no one has taken notice.” “I’ve noticed,” Kellach said fondly. “In no time, you w ill be out on your ow n w ith a w ife and ten children to feed.” “I don’t w ant a w ife. I w ant to see w hat lies beyond the rim of mountains to the east and taste the pleasures to be had there,” Cyrnon drew himself up. “A w ife and children are for w hen I am too old and ugly to enjoy life.” Kellach roared w ith laughter. “A w ise man. Perhaps I have become old and ugly. I have been thinking on taking a w ife soon, myself. Do you think any of the single maids w ould be w illing to overlook my obvious old age and ugliness and take my hand?” Cyrnon snorted, “All you have to do is look in their

Cyrnon snorted, “All you have to do is look in their direction, and they sw oon. Did you not notice how many of them pressed near you last eve? None of the other males even had a chance w ith you there. It w as good you left so soon.” Kellach grinned, “And w ere you one of the males eager for my departure—did you w ish for some w insome young maid’s company?” Cyrnon grimaced, “I but told you that so you w ould know there are plenty w ho w ould take you to husband. I have no need of a female yet, most complain and say silly things. I do not know how to talk to them or w hat it is they w ish me to say or do.” “That is the problem most of us lonely males face in the company of w omen,” Kellach sympathized, ruffling the youth’s hair. “They are like the w ind, changing directions daily.” The trip to his storehouse w as made in short order and his purchases stacked and ready for the trip. He paid his youthful w orkers and they ran off, eager to spend their hard-earned w ages in the marketplace. It w as time to visit his parents’ house. They had not been at the feast last evening and he w as anxious to see them. Their dw elling rested on the northern-most corner of his property as did his sister, Tanith’s dw elling. He accepted the duty of caring for his family easily and enjoyed the closeness they shared. Family and home w ere all important to him, even though his w anderlust had taken him far in years past. Time to grow his roots deeper and step into the life he w ished to make. His mother opened the door, her face brightening w hen she saw him. “Kellach,” she exclaimed, “I knew you w ere back and have been aw aiting your visit.” She took his hand and led

have been aw aiting your visit.” She took his hand and led him in. Of the five children she bore, only Kellach and Tanith grew to adulthood and both w ere very precious to her. His father sat in a chair by the open fire and regarded his son proudly, “You grow taller each time I see you. How long w ill you stay this trip?” Kellach leaned dow n and hugged him. He could feel the thinness of his father’s body and felt his w eakness. His father had ever been a strong and robust man and it saddened him to see his father’s health w aning. His face w as w rinkled and lined, like old leather. Nuala, his mother, hustled him to the table, “Have you broke your fast yet?” W ith that, she busied herself setting food and cups on the table. “Tanith came by last eve. She had Machar w ith her. The child has grow n since last w e saw him, he is not a baby anymore,” she said sadly. “Tanith suspects she is w ith child again.” Kellach nodded, “Siran w ill stay home w ith her this trip. She has not been herself since she lost the last baby on the journey. I w ould not w ant to cause her to lose another so soon.” “It w ill be good to have her near,” she agreed. Secretly, Kellach acknow ledged that it w ould be good for him to be home now as w ell; his parents had need of him.

Chapter Eight Fiona spent the next few days resting and allow ing herself time to heal. She slept a good deal, but w as conscious of the fact that people came and w ent in a steady stream. She had the distinct impression that many w ere there just out of curiosity. Most of the time, w hen she w oke up, more than one person w ould be standing over her bed. On the second day after arriving at the settlement, a w izened little Asian man arrived and spent a good hour poking and prodding her and chattering aw ay in w hat she suspected w as some form of Chinese. He didn’t act like any doctor she had ever w orked w ith or been treated by, and then there w as the curious fact that he made house calls. No doctor made house calls these days. He left some small pouches w ith the w oman, w ho proceeded to brew various forms of tea, totally disgusting and tasting like boiled leather, but the w oman forced her to drink them anyw ay. The w oman also kept her on a light diet of broth and w atered w ine, and w as unfailing in her care. Not everyone in the nursing profession w as as devoted as this w oman appeared to be. Her arm w as feeling better and the color w as improving, although it w as still stiff and sore to the touch, under the circumstances, she felt her arm w as doing w ell. She had performed self-examinations several times and the bones seemed to be aligned w ell. Hopefully, her arm w ould

bones seemed to be aligned w ell. Hopefully, her arm w ould heal straight and surgery w ould not be needed later on. Her face had very few areas that w ere still sore to the touch, but the w oman still clucked and made soothing sounds w henever she examined Fiona’s face. Given that she w asn’t receiving any professional care—or professional care w ithin her meaning of the w ord “professional”—she felt fairly certain her prognosis w as good. Fiona w as still confused at the primitive conditions and her confusion grew stronger as she became more and more conscious of her surroundings. **** Kellach spent the last tw o days preparing for the trip to the eastern settlement and avoiding any untow ard confrontations w ith Voadicia or her lackeys. Rations w ere packed and the pack animals w ere sufficiently rested to begin the journey. He w ould only take a small contingent of men this time, as most w ere content to spend time at home w ith their families. The majority of the men selected to accompany him w ere younger men w ith no w ives or children and the prospect of the journey did not cause them concern. Kellach had visited w ith his sister a number of times, and w as advised that the crone w as healing. An unw elcome vision of the crone flashed through his mind— w hat w as he to do w ith her? He doubted she w ould be able to take over the w ork performed previously by Etain, but Siran and Tanith insisted she w as his to care for. He found her, true, but it w as Tanith’s idea to bring her along! Perhaps they should have just left her in the desert w here they found her. He felt guilty for his unkind thoughts, and decided he w ould leave the decision of w hat to do w ith her until he returned. Until then, he w ould think of her no

her until he returned. Until then, he w ould think of her no more. Early in the morning of the third day, Kellach and his men departed the confines of the settlement for the journey east. A jovial mood prevailed and the expectation of a quick passage w as high. A few dogs chased them for a distance and then returned to the settlement. They passed numerous patrols that saluted and shouted as they traveled by. It w as a clear day and the omens w ere good for a safe crossing. No carts traveled w ith them this time, it w as to be a short and fast trip to the eastern settlement and the trip home w ould be spent driving the sheep they w ould purchase there. All his men w ere farmers and herders as w ell as fighting men and he had no doubt they w ould be able to handle w hatever the Gods in their w isdom deemed necessary. It w as a good day to travel and he looked forw ard to starting his new life w hen he returned. His men fanned out, taking up defensive positions naturally and w ithout direction. They w ere ever on the lookout for marauders and bandits and, at the merest sign of trouble, w ould group together in a fighting stance. His mind w andered back to his meeting w ith Voadicia. That w ould be a problem to attend w hen he returned. His position as a Lord of the tribe w ould provide him the means to sw ay the Council, should that be necessary. Voadicia w ould never be allow ed to gain any further control if he had any say in the matter. **** Fiona slow ly returned to consciousness, people w ere moving about and the smells of cooking filled the air. She opened her eyes and the small child w as again pressed nose-to-nose w ith her. The young w oman came into view

nose-to-nose w ith her. The young w oman came into view and picked the child up. Tanith pointed to herself, “Tanith,” she said, and then pointed at the small boy, “Machar.” Fiona looked confused. “Tanith,” she said again as she pointed at her chest; “Machar,” she said and pointed again at the little boy. Okay, Fiona thought, that’s their names. I get it. “Fiona,” she said. “Fiona Sutton,” and pointed at herself. The blonde w oman smiled, “Fion? ” “No,” Fiona replied. “F-e-o-n-a.” The blonde w oman chuckled and nodded her head. “Fiona,” she said. Fiona knew her mother w ould be frantic, “Do you suppose I could use your telephone,” she asked the w oman. “I’ll pay you for the call.” The w oman shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. Fiona held her hand to her head and mimicked using a telephone. Tanith shook her head “no” again and shrugged. “T-e-l-e-p-h-o-n-e,” Fiona tried again. Again, no response. Okay, Fiona thought, perhaps they use another term here, “Cell phone?” she questioned. “Sel fon?” Tanith replied, she shook her head again. Don’t tell me she doesn’t know w hat a cell phone is, Fiona thought, everyone know s about cell phones. She w as getting now here fast. It didn’t appear that the w oman Tanith understood anything she w as trying to say. It just didn’t make sense. She w as near Ann Arbor in the United States of America w hen she crashed her car, and almost everyone in the United States spoke English. Maybe she had been kidnapped and, w hile she w as unconscious, she had been taken to some place far aw ay from her home and left out in the desert to die! That made

from her home and left out in the desert to die! That made even less sense. W hy w ould anyone kidnap her just to abandon her? She didn’t have any money and didn’t know anything important about anything or anyone. Her entire life had been relatively unexciting and her only crime to date involved jayw alking w hen she felt like living on the edge. She had never even shoplifted like some of her friends had done w hen they w ere younger. The w oman before her certainly didn’t act like a kidnapper and none of them made any attempt to hide their faces or prevent her from know ing w ho they w ere. Of course, she couldn’t understand anything they said, so that probably w asn’t a problem for them anyw ay. To the contrary, Tanith and her family had only show n her kindness since finding her. The w oman, Tanith, brought her a plate of food, w hich appeared to be some sort of flat bread and cooked meat, no eating utensils or even a napkin. Smiling, she handed Fiona a small very sharp knife, and made signs that she w as to eat, saying something like “que” or “kew .” Fiona balanced the plate on her lap and sampled the flat bread. It w as coarse and unfamiliar, more like rye bread or something along that line, but quite good all the same. She sampled a small taste of the meat, “keu,” the w oman said again and smiled. Well, she had learned her first new w ord—no, w ait —third, she already knew “Tanith” and “Machar.” The red-haired man came into the dw elling carrying the child. He sat the child at the large low table and then grabbed a large piece of meat and bit off a huge chunk. He came over to the bed and chew ed noisily w hile he stared at her. These people certainly didn’t stand on convention or w orry about table manners. Tanith pointed to him and said, “Siran, Siran.” Fiona nodded and repeated his name.

said, “Siran, Siran.” Fiona nodded and repeated his name. He laughed and jabbered something to the w oman. “She looks like she’ll survive,” Siran said. “Give her another w eek and the bruising w ill be almost gone.” Tanith nodded, “It’ll be aw hile before the arm heals. Just don’t scare her, she isn’t used to our w ays and you can be intimidating sometimes.” “Me? Intimidating! You think I’m intimidating? W hen w as I ever intimidating?” Fiona listened to their chatter. In terms of being able to comprehend w hat they said vocally, she understood nothing. But in terms of body language and facial expressions, they w ere teasing each other and he appeared to be defending himself. The language w as unlike any she had ever heard. She knew a few w ords of Spanish, French, German and Italian, but this sounded nothing like any of them. “Habla Espanol?” she tried. “Sprechen de Deutsche?” “Parlé vous Francais?” Both stood there w ith blank looks on their faces, then looked at each other and shrugged. Tanith shook her head “no” and chattered something to the man again. Fiona gave up, it w as frustrating to w ant to converse but not have the language to do it. She slid her legs off the side of the bed and attempted to stand up. Her legs w ere w eak and she almost collapsed but managed to grab the side of the bed and steady herself. Fiona took a few minutes to center her balance w hile she looked around the room. These people certainly loved bright colors! The chairs and stools had bright throw s over them and some sort of rag rugs w ere strew n on the planked floor. The w oman’s clothing appeared to be of good material and, though not designed w ith any great detail to design, w as attractive and

designed w ith any great detail to design, w as attractive and appeared comfortable. The man w as dressed in a bright red tunic-style shirt, and trousers made out of some sort of durable w ool or heavy linen. He w as barefoot and, from the calluses on his feet, it appeared he w ent barefoot quite often. The w oman w ore lace-up sandals, somew hat comparable to w hat Fiona termed Roman style or a close facsimile. They w ere both tall and made an especially attractive couple. Fiona felt grubby and messy compared to them, and she w as embarrassed by her obvious bad odor. She w as dressed in only the old nightgow n, and, by now , it w as ragged and very dirty. She had no idea w hat had happened to her dress or her boots. She turned to the w oman and made w ashing motions to her arms and face. From her quick scan of the room, there appeared to be no running w ater here either. The w oman w ent over to another part of the room and brought a colorful w rap back. She helped Fiona put it on and then she retrieved a basket full of small clay pots from a shelf in the kitchen area. She reached her hand out for Fiona and led her out the door. Fiona took one step into the sunlight and gasped. In full light of day, the view before her w as unlike anything she had expected to see. Dusty children, Caucasian as w ell as children of mixed-heritage, raced around a central square edged by round dw ellings w ith high conical roofs. Some sort of strange chickens pecked at the ground and a few scavenging dogs w ere in sight. It w as overw helming and her amazement grew . Tanith reached for her uninjured arm and led her out of the square and dow n an avenue lined by more of the round buildings. Carts draw n by teams of oxen and loaded w ith goods of every type appeared to be the only vehicles on the

of every type appeared to be the only vehicles on the streets. There w asn’t one motorized vehicle in sight! The streets themselves w ere simple dirt roads. Most of the people w ere on foot and most w ere carrying large bundles either on their backs or balanced on their heads. It looked like a scene from an old Viking movie, except there w eren’t any old Vikings around these days. Every piece of clothing w as bright and mixed w ith every color of the rainbow , and plaids w ere definitely the style here. She felt as though she had stepped back in time. Fiona saw no signs anyw here of telephone poles or electrical w ires lining the sky—none w hatsoever—and the plumbing w as either nonexistent or totally primitive by her standards. Tanith continued to lead her slow ly dow n the street and then dow n a small hill, to a slow moving river. A large hut balanced on the edge, and w hen they entered, she could see that it housed a hot spring w hich emptied into a huge pool and then drained into the river. Steam rose from the pool and the inside of the hut w as w arm and cloudy. Several w omen w ere already there, talking and laughing, and either bathing or w ashing clothes in the runoff from the pool. They looked up curiously as Tanith and Fiona entered, and all smiled and appeared excited to see Tanith. “W ho’s that w ith you?” an older w oman, Engai, inquired curiously. “I don’t recognize her.” Tanith considered how she should respond. To say that Fiona w as a servant w ould low er Fiona’s status, and Tanith w as unw illing to name her such. “She belongs to Kellach.” Astonished silence gripped the room for a few moments and then chattering exploded. Unable to understand any of the conversation, Fiona w as reminded of a flock of squaw king chickens.

a flock of squaw king chickens. “Kellach’s w oman!” “W hen did he take a w oman?” “W hat’s her name?” “W here’s she from?” “Did he take her to w ife or is she his bedmate?” The questions came fast and furious. Kellach taking a w oman w as big new s, and there w ere many w ho w ould be most unhappy in the hearing. Tanith hesitated, “He found her on the journey.” “Is she a slave?” “No, at least, not that w e can tell. She’s much too delicate to have labored hard and her clothing is far above a slave’s lot.” “Is she from one of the eastern settlements then?” “She doesn’t speak our language, so w e haven’t been able to figure out w ho she is or w here she comes from, other than her name is Fiona.” The w omen nodded as though that made a difference. Tanith undressed and then helped Fiona to discard her nightgow n. Fiona w as embarrassed by the appraising looks of the w omen and her ow n nudity. Even though she couldn’t understand w hat they w ere saying, she got the distinct impression that she w as not measuring up. Tanith and Fiona stepped dow n into the hot pool and sat on stone seats fashioned on the sides. Fiona sighed as the w ater closed over her. She slipped dow n until only her nose w as above the w ater. It had been too long since she had bathed all over. Tanith reached behind them and scooped some gel-like liquid out of one of the pots and rubbed it in Fiona’s hair. It smelled of flow ers and she imagined it must be some sort of shampoo. Tanith w ashed and rinsed her hair a few times and then rubbed some other concoction into her hair as w ell. She then calmly

other concoction into her hair as w ell. She then calmly w ent about bathing Fiona, and although Fiona w as flushed w ith embarrassment, Tanith took no notice and quickly finished the bath. After she had Fiona cleaned to her satisfaction, she w ashed herself as w ell and then shampooed her ow n hair. Tanith’s hair had been unbraided since soon after arriving home and she w ore it either hanging free or tied back w ith a length of cloth or a leather thong. Her unbraided dark blonde hair shone w ith red highlights and curled naturally dow n her back. She used no cosmetics that Fiona w as aw are of and her face alw ays had that clean scrubbed look. Her teeth w ere good and she smiled easily. Fiona envied her. It w as clear that Tanith w as sure of herself as a w oman and a mother, and her place here w as uncontested. It must be nice, she thought, to be so appreciated by so many. Tanith helped her out of the pool and w rapped a large cloth around her. Fiona felt better than she had for more than a w eek and it w as w onderful to have the dirt off. She had noticed in the bath that none of the w omen shaved their underarms or their legs and Fiona w as somew hat surprised by that. Only the “granolas” or earth w omen w ent “au naturale.” If she didn’t get home soon, it w ouldn’t be long before she looked just like them. Fortunately, her hair w as almost w hite so even if it did grow out, it w ouldn’t be as noticeable on her as it w as on some of those w omen. Some of them had hairier legs than a lot of men she knew , and she didn’t even w ant to think about their underarms. As they made their w ay back to Tanith’s residence, Tanith pointed across the square and said something like “Kellach,” and then something incomprehensible. The

“Kellach,” and then something incomprehensible. The dw elling she pointed at w as larger than Tanith’s, but she didn’t see anyone coming and going over there. Maybe “Kellach” meant it w as a meeting hall or something like that. It w as certainly big enough to be a tow n hall. She had no w ay to tell, but it w as certainly impressive. She w as beginning to tire and she needed to rest. Her face must have revealed how she felt as Tanith pushed her gently into the house and helped her to lie dow n again. By the time her head hit the pillow , she w as fast asleep.

Chapter Nine The days passed quickly and before long, Fiona’s face had healed; and her arm, although still somew hat sore and stiff, w as sufficiently mended to allow her to help in the normal day-to-day activities, at least w hat w as considered normal day-to-day activities here, and things that she could do w ith one hand. “Day-to-day” activities included helping w ith meals, hand w ashing clothing, feeding animals, and w alking to the market to barter and trade for goods. Being able to only use one hand had its draw backs, but she w as learning to adjust. Her arm w as still sore and her range of motion very limited. She spent several hours each day on her ow n blend of physical therapy and her arm w as responding w ell. After some time, Tanith must have thought her progress w as sufficiently improved, because she handed Fiona a large axe-type utensil and pointed out the door tow ards the chickens pecking in the yard. Ultimately, w hen Fiona w as neither able to catch a chicken nor do w hatever she w as expected to do w ith the axe, Tanith made short w ork of one of the hens. She w as quite surprised w hen Fiona sat dow n and cried. Fortunately, Tanith had not expected her to try again. The settlement grew up around an oasis nestled near a mountain range to the south. A vast desert covered a large area to the north. Using primitive methods of irrigation, the people had forced back the desert and farms

irrigation, the people had forced back the desert and farms w ere abundant. Flocks of strange sheep, herds of short legged cattle and small shaggy horses dotted the outlying areas. Bright clothing, and lots of it, seemed to signify w ealth and standing in the tribe. Tanith’s ow n w ardrobe rivaled Fiona’s at home, and w ith very few changes, Tanith could have appeared on the streets of Ann Arbor and little notice w ould have been taken. Tanith w as generous w ith her gifts and, as a result, Fiona w as w ell dressed and able to w ear fresh clothing daily. It w as apparent that Tanith and her family w ere members of the upper class by the w ay the general public treated them as they moved about the tow n. A number of servants w orked in and around Tanith’s household and they w ere w ell-treated and respectful. She became Tanith’s shadow , keeping her eyes open and paying close attention to the comings and goings around her. The little imp, Machar, w as a favorite w ith her and it w as a treat to w atch him for Tanith. Out of necessity, she w as learning to speak the language and Tanith w as unfailing in her w illingness to help. Each day, she w ould point out new items, say the w ord and Fiona w ould repeat it until it w as fixed solidly in her mind. Fiona estimated that she had been in this place for perhaps three months, give or take a few w eeks, and speculated that it w as late June, at least she thought perhaps it w as late June. She arrived at this date by calculating the approximate number of days that had passed since the car w reck. She had no w ay of know ing for sure, it seemed earlier in the year than June, the w eather colder than it should have been for this late in the year. Worry about her family w as uppermost in her mind. They w ould have to be frantic by now . She missed both of them so much. Their phone calls had been a daily ritual and

them so much. Their phone calls had been a daily ritual and being out of contact for so long w as w earing on her. Her many attempts to contact the outside w orld had met w ith failure. She tried to w alk for a distance one day and w as forced back by the tight-knit patrols. Through trial and error, she discovered that it w as dangerous to venture outside the confines of the settlement alone and that the closest settlements, other than the friendly yellow tribe nearby, w ere far aw ay. Out of boredom and a need to find a niche for herself, Fiona had begun collecting the various plant life and herbs in order to start a small pharmacy of her ow n. She w as able to identify some plant life, although the majority of the specimens w ere new to her. During her w eekly visits from the yellow healer, she w as able to expand her collection. Their meetings rested largely on gestures and facial expressions but usually she got her meaning across. At each such visit, he w ould cluck over her and either smile or scow l, depending upon w hat she imagined w ere the results of his examination. Tanith kept up a lively conversation w ith him and, before they left, he w ould provide Tanith w ith more medicinal pouches for future torture sessions on Fiona. Fiona had been out early one day collecting samples and, deciding to take a small break, sat alone atop a small hillock just outside the perimeter of the settlement. From her vantage point, she could see most of the settlement, the river moving slow ly by, and in the distance, the desert stretching as far as the eye could see. The oasis nestled near a mountain range w est of the river and farmland stretched out beyond. In the clearing directly below , men trained in w arfare, either w ith bow s and arrow s, long sw ords or some sort of

either w ith bow s and arrow s, long sw ords or some sort of large club. Several of the men blew on large w ar horns, totally alien to anything she had ever seen before. Their shape reminded her of long necked dragons or serpents held upright, tow ering over the heads of the users. The sound issuing from them w as intense and frightening, and it took little imagination to figure out that they w ere used for intimidation as w ell as delivering battle commands. On several previous occasions, she had w itnessed this same scene but only that day did she really notice that, curiously enough, none of the men had guns of any sort. That w as so very strange. Good grief, the sale of arms w as big business and even the most primitive tribes had guns of some sort. But not these people. She mulled that over, combining it w ith the facts as she saw them. On the other side of the knoll, a flock of sheep grazed, tended by three young shepherdesses. Never idle, one girl w alked around the flock, spinning onto a carved w ooden spindle from a distaff full of w ool. Another girl sat on the ground w eaving, the far end of her long skinny w arp threads looped around her big toe, pulled tight, one eye on the flock. Fiona w atched the tranquil scene for a few minutes. Band w eaving w as a clever thing, easily transportable and quickly set up. Cloth w as w oven into long narrow strips and then sew n together to achieve the desired w idths. Not having any experience w ith w eaving in any form, Fiona w as totally impressed by their ingenuity. As she w ent through each piece of evidence, item by item, her stomach flip-flopped, her heart began to pound and she had trouble catching her breath, easily headed tow ards a major panic attack. Either she had gone stark raving crazy, or somehow , some w ay, she had been transported back in time. Hopefully, it w as the former

transported back in time. Hopefully, it w as the former choice. She preferred to think she w as having a psychotic episode, at least there w as a chance that her caregiver w ould get her dosage right and she w ould eventually return to reality. The flip side w as just too unbelievable. There w asn’t such a thing as time travel, and even if there w as, she hadn’t climbed into some sort of time machine or stepped through to a parallel dimension. She had been in a car w reck. People w ere in car w recks all the time and they w oke up in a hospital; they didn’t w ake up in another time and place. It w as crazy to even think she had gone back through time. But w hat other explanation w as there? She dropped her face into her hands. Every contour of her face felt the same, her hands felt real, the fingertips roughened by w ork, so w hy did she feel like she w as dreaming? You didn’t feel the sun on your face or the w ind at your back in a dream. This w as real and she w as here. Bile rose to the back of her throat and she had to sw allow hard to keep from throw ing up. She didn’t w ant to be here, she w anted to be home w ith Mom and Dad and Sykes and eat pizza and chocolate and use a real toilet and toilet paper. She w anted to shave her legs and armpits and use deodorant and paint her fingernails and have a massage. She w anted her life back! But most of all, she w anted to hug Mom and Dad and tell them how much she loved them.

Chapter Ten As the season grew w armer, the only road coming into and out of the settlement became increasingly busy as more and more caravans stopped at the oasis. It w as a dazzling sight; w henever one approached it reminded Fiona of stories about old-time circuses rolling into tow n. Elephants, camels and horses provided most of the transportation for the better class, servants and slaves w alked behind. Teams of oxen hauled large w agons full of goods and, quite often, strange animals meant for trade or gifting to the Emperor in the east. In the distance, Fiona could see yet another group of travelers w ho w ould soon converge upon the settlement. Very few of the travelers w ould leave the relative safety of the oasis during the hottest parts of the summer. Encampments could be seen in every direction, w aiting for cooler temperatures before attempting to cross The Place of No Return . The road to the east through the desert w as littered w ith the bodies of those foolish enough to embark before w eather conditions permitted. She had tried at various times earlier in the season to make contact w ith anyone in the caravans prepared to take her as a passenger, but none had been w illing. Women, other than the entertainers and prostitutes w ho visited the encampments at night, w ere not w elcomed near any of the travelers’ tents and her attempts to converse w ith

the travelers’ tents and her attempts to converse w ith them resulted in either harsh w ords—w hich she couldn’t understand anyw ay—or she w as totally ignored. The w omen in the settlement w ere treated as equals by the populace and appeared to enjoy most of the same freedoms as did the men. The w omen traveling w ith the caravans, on the other hand, remained out of sight and, if they did emerge for some reason, w ere sw athed from head to toe and contact w ith them w as frow ned upon. It became increasingly clear to Fiona that had she actually been successful in her attempts to leave, she w ould have no idea w hich w ay to go. W ith no means to determine how she arrived here in the first place, trying to retrace her steps w as useless and Fiona agonized over the possibility that she w ould never get home. If she had traveled back in time, as she feared, traveling to another area w ould not solve the problem. At least here, she had the care and protection of Tanith and her family. Dow n below , Tanith and Machar emerged from the edge of the settlement and w alked tow ards her. Tanith let go of Machar’s hand to w ave at her and as she did so, he broke aw ay from her and ran up the small hill to Fiona’s resting place. “You scamp, be careful.” By now , Fiona could converse on a basic level as long as sentences w ere spoken slow ly and simple w ords w ere used. Machar laughed and grasped her hand and started to pull her dow n the hill tow ards Tanith. Tanith scolded Fiona once again, “You must not leave the settlement alone, bad men from there,” she pointed north, “come here and if you are alone, they w ill take you. Bad animals out here also.” “Sorry, I w asn’t thinking.”

“Sorry, I w asn’t thinking.” Tanith nodded. “But do not come out here, think in there,” as she pointed to the settlement. They started back. “We go to the marketplace now , w e need food for the evening meal.” Fiona touched Tanith’s arm. “How can I repay you? I have nothing.” Tanith smiled and hugged her. “I never had a sister and now you are my sister. We w ill w orry about payment later.” Machar ran ahead and disappeared from sight. Tanith hurried forw ard calling for him. As Fiona rounded a corner into the marketplace, she bumped into Tanith. Machar stood a few feet aw ay, captured by a w ell-dressed, beautiful oriental-looking w oman flanked by tw o guards and several w omen w hom Fiona recognized as priestesses by their tall pointed hats. The dark-haired w oman w as smiling, but the smile w as cold and no w armth reflected in her black eyes. She spoke quickly to Tanith, too rapidly for Fiona to follow . Tanith straightened and Fiona felt the tension sparking from her. “I heard you had returned,” Voadicia said as she pushed Machar tow ards Tanith, “it appears this little monkey has escaped.” Tanith inclined her head slightly, “Thank you for stopping him, I but glanced aw ay and he w as gone.” Voadicia looked past Tanith to the young w oman standing behind her. “W ho is this? She does not look familiar.” Tanith glanced back at Fiona, “She is Kellach’s w oman.” Voadicia’s eyes narrow ed and her voice low ered to a rasp, “Kellach does not have a w oman, and if he did, it

rasp, “Kellach does not have a w oman, and if he did, it w ouldn’t be this pale slip of a girl. Kellach’s taste in w omen has not changed so greatly, has it?” “I w ould not know w hat his tastes might have been before, but she is his, he found her on the last journey to the east.” “Found? Or bought her? Is she his slave?” She looked Fiona over, contempt dripping from her voice. Tanith’s voice betrayed none of the concern she felt. “She is no slave, she has been afforded the protection of our family until Kellach returns. She w ill be settled w ith him at that time.” Voadicia pushed past Tanith to glare dow n at Fiona, “Is she his bedmate then? I am surprised, Kellach is usually more discriminating in his choice of w omen.” Voadicia smoothed the clinging red tunic dow n over her shapely hips. The material w as so thin, her nipples and nether parts could be easily seen. “He is discriminating, but you w ould know that better than I.” Tanith’s w ords w ere not lost on Voadicia, nor had Voadicia forgotten that Kellach had repudiated her on the night they arrived. “She is not his bedmate—I have reason to believe she w ill be more than that.” “There are many w ho have been his bedmate. W hy w ould this one be any different?” “Kellach w ould seek to take a w ife now . She needs a husband and a protector and she is biddable. She is very beautiful as w ell, that is the difference.” Voadicia’s eyes flashed, “Kellach w ould not w ant a biddable w ife. She is not so beautiful as me,” she added pompously and her entourage nodded their agreement. “I am sure Alstrom agrees w ith you, or perhaps w hat

“I am sure Alstrom agrees w ith you, or perhaps w hat he feels does not matter.” “Alstrom has his uses, and he does not expect total fidelity from me.” Theirs w as a society that looked upon sex as both open and free, equally by the men as w ell as the w omen. Voadicia’s admitted promiscuity did not surprise Tanith, such w as an accepted practice. “If this little dove is to be Kellach’s w oman, w hy does she stay w ith you? W hy isn’t she residing in his household? If he claims her, that is w here she should be.” “She has been ill and I have been caring for her. Kellach returns soon and then she w ill be in his home and under his protection .” Tanith stressed protection so there w ould be no question as to Fiona’s position in the household of Lord Kellach. Tanith reached for Fiona’s hand, “We must be on our w ay, w e have much to do before this night.” Voadicia stared malevolently into Fiona’s eyes, “We w ill meet again, little one, I’ve no doubt.” W ith that, she turned and stalked aw ay, her supporters straggling behind. Fiona w itnessed the exchange w ith some trepidation. She w as able to understand very little of the conversation, but Tanith’s attitude and the attitude of the other w oman left little to the imagination as to their feelings tow ard each other. The dark w oman’s breath w as hot and feral, and it took all of Fiona’s resolve to keep from gagging at the smell. Relief w ashed over her w hen the w oman turned and left. There w as something cruel and vindictive in her demeanor and the w oman made her skin craw l. Tanith w atched her w alk aw ay and then turned to Fiona, “Bad w oman, you stay aw ay from her.” Fiona agreed, “Very bad.”

Fiona agreed, “Very bad.” The rest of the afternoon w as spent in spirited haggling w ith the food vendors and in conversation w ith other w omen bent on the same duties as they. Fiona recognized many of the w omen now and w as w elcomed by them. The marketplace w as a time for meeting up w ith friends near the w ell in the center of the square, trading stories and the latest gossip. Today, in particular, Engai w as in attendance. Engai w as one of the first w omen outside of Tanith that Fiona had become acquainted w ith. She w as the w ife of Elochad, and mother of tw o strapping teenaged tw in sons and a young daughter, probably around ten years or so. Her children w ere a lively group and Engai w as hard pressed to keep the older boys in control. The young daughter, Ceara, w ould grow into an attractive w oman someday w ith her chestnut brow n hair and lovely big blue eyes. She w as a smaller version of her mother and it w as very apparent that Ceara w as the center of Engai’s life. Ceara w as a merry child w hose personality sparkled w ith animation. It w as a cheerful meeting and helped alleviate some of the unpleasant feelings left by the encounter w ith Voadicia. Tanith loaded their purchases in a large basket in preparation for the short w alk home. Machar w as tired so Tanith lifted him up and settled him on her hip. Fiona carried the basket and they left the market. As they neared their destination, the parents of Tanith came out and they visited for a few minutes before it w as time to start the evening meal. Dinner w as prepared quickly and they settled dow n for the evening.

Chapter Eleven One morning shortly after, it w as decided that they w ould travel to the neighboring yellow people’s settlement to trade and, for those requiring medical attention, to visit the yellow healer. Fiona had yet to be included on one of these trips but now that her health w as greatly improved, she w as allow ed to accompany them. Small shaggy horses w ere saddled up and led out for the ride. Machar w as lifted up in front of Siran and Fiona w as handed the reins of a small black horse, w ho promptly tried to bite her. She jumped back and barely missed being bitten by his gnashing teeth. Tanith laughed, w alked over and slapped the horse on the nose. The horse started and threw up its head, but seemed to settle dow n after that. It stared at Fiona and Fiona glared back. She had never ridden in her life and this horse seemed like a demon from hell to her. Tanith gestured at her to climb on, as the rest of the group w ere already mounted and ready to go. Feeling as though she w as going to her last supper, Fiona glumly led the horse over to a large rock, climbed up and prayed for deliverance. She leaned over, grabbed hold of the small saddle and sw ung her leg over. There w eren’t any stirrups so her legs hung free dow n the horse’s sides. The saddle w as unlike any she had seen before; four horns decorated each corner. She finally got herself settled. The little horse turned his head and looked at her, then trotted

little horse turned his head and looked at her, then trotted over to the other horses. Fiona hung on for dear life, the reins dragging on the ground. Tanith snorted in amusement, reached dow n and grabbed the reins. She tied them to her horse and off they w ent at a good clip. The gait of the horse rattled every one of Fiona’s bones and even her teeth banged together. The ride seemed to last forever, but finally they made it to the village. Everyone quickly jumped off and hobbled their animals. Fiona slid dow n slow ly and w hen her legs w ouldn’t support her, collapsed to the ground. Snickers and outright laughter sw ept through the good-natured group. Fiona pulled herself to her feet and stood up. God, her legs felt like rubber and the insides of her thighs w ere so sore, she could hardly w alk. Her backsides w ould never be the same and every bone in her body ached. Tanith grabbed her arm and pulled her protesting along. The market w as crow ded by Asian-looking people as w ell as many from the settlement and the surrounding countryside. Much of the w ares w ere similar, but there w ere a number of vendors selling strange and unusual products as w ell. Several booths boasted herbs and spices and, at one such booth, Fiona w as able to trade one of her bracelets for a small supply of medicinal herbs she recognized, but w as unable to find near the settlement. As Fiona explored, she noticed several booths w ith carcasses hanging on them that resembled skinned dogs. She had to look aw ay w henever she passed those; it didn’t set w ell w ith her that dog w as an accepted food source. Tanith had packed a meal for the trip and they moved to a cleared area and settled dow n to eat. A puppy ran out from behind a food vendor’s booth and made tracks to

from behind a food vendor’s booth and made tracks to Fiona. It w as small and brow n w ith w hite spots and Fiona loved it immediately. She picked it up and hugged it to her. Tanith looked inquiringly at her and made an eating motion. Fiona gasped. “No,” she shook her head vehemently and hugged the puppy tighter. Apparently, the puppy had escaped from one of the vendors selling dog carcasses and Fiona looked w ildly around for someplace to hide him. A small Asian w oman came out and angrily chattered to Fiona and tried to take the puppy from her. Fiona held on and the puppy squealed and w himpered as they fought over him. There w as no w ay she w as going to let this little guy become somebody’s lunch. The w oman w as ranting, and from the w ay she w aved her arms and the tone of her voice, she w as very angry over the loss of the dog. Fiona feared the w oman w as accusing her of trying to steal him, w hich in truth she probably w as. She w renched off one of her bracelets and held it out to the Asian w oman, w hose eyes glittered covetously. Tanith w atched the situation closely. The little cur w as going to be too small to be any good as a herder and she had no idea w hy Fiona w ould w ant him otherw ise, but because she knew how alone Fiona w as, she stood up and tossed the Asian w oman a small coin. The Asian w oman shook her head “no,” and again reached for the bracelet. Tanith spoke rapidly back. The Asian w oman scow led, muttered something, bit dow n on the coin, and then, w ith a huff of indignation, marched back to the booth. Fiona tried to give her bracelet to Tanith but Tanith shook her head and smiled. The puppy licked Fiona’s hand and she rubbed her face against it, “I’m going to name you ‘Conan’,” she said, “you know , like ‘Conan the Barbarian’.” “Too small,” Tanith said, “w on’t w ork good.”

“Too small,” Tanith said, “w on’t w ork good.” “He w ill, too!” Fiona defended the pup. “He just needs a chance to grow a little.” She turned aw ay and found a tidbit to feed him. He gobbled it dow n quickly, his big brow n eyes pleading for more. She laughed and broke up part of her lunch and he quickly consumed all of it. He w andered a small distance aw ay and tried to heist his back leg but ended up squatting dow n. He tottered back, accepted the drink of w ater Fiona offered, nestled dow n on Fiona’s lap, and in no time, w as sound asleep. Conan might be just a puppy, Fiona thought, but at least I have something that’s all mine in this w eird place. Everyone seemed content w ith their purchases and, as it w as the middle of the afternoon by now , it w as time to pack up and head back. Fiona dreaded getting on that devil horse again. He played the same trick as he had earlier but Fiona w as prepared and slapped him on the nose before he had a chance to really get excited. She climbed back on, every muscle and nerve complaining, tucked the puppy under her w rap, and forced herself to endure as the horse started off. Her thigh muscles felt every bounce and bump and by the time they arrived at the settlement, she decided she w ould never w alk again. Tanith had to literally lift her off the horse, and then help her to limp into the abode. Fiona collapsed in relief on the nearest chair. Conan w riggled free and jumped dow n, attacking Machar’s toes. Too tired to take him out for a w alk, Fiona tied a small rope around his neck and handed it to Machar. “Take Conan outside, please,” she begged him. She didn’t think she w ould be able to get back up now that she w as sitting dow n. Machar w hooped w ith joy and ran out, the puppy trailing behind him. She w atched them from the

the puppy trailing behind him. She w atched them from the door. Machar w as doing a good job handling the puppy and leading him around. It appeared as though someone besides her w as happy about the puppy. Her eyes w ere draw n to the structure across the square. No one ever appeared to be there, but she observed servants coming and going from time to time. Fiona w ished she knew w hat or w ho this “Kellach” w as. That w ord came up quite frequently in conversations and, as yet, she w as unable to determine a meaning to attach. W hatever “Kellach” w as, w henever that w ord w as spoken, people took notice. The large building across the center court from Tanith’s dw elling w as pointed out often as being “Kellach or Kellach’s house.” Perhaps that meant some sort of motel or hotel. The building certainly seemed large enough and, from the outside, more elaborate than any close by. She w ould be interested to see w hat the interior looked like. Noticing her interest, Tanith once again said “Kellach’s house,” as she pointed across the square. “You live there soon.” “I w ant to stay w ith you,” Fiona protested. “You belong there,” Tanith pointed again. “W hy?” “You belong to Kellach.” “W hat do you mean, ‘I belong to Kellach?’ I belong to me.” Tanith smiled, “I think you w ill like Kellach’s house.” “I have never been to Kellach’s house.” “I w ill take you there tomorrow ,” she said and turned aw ay, intent on unloading their purchases. Fiona stared across the square, tomorrow she w ould finally get a chance to enter that mysterious and perplexing

finally get a chance to enter that mysterious and perplexing structure. As she stared, she had the strangest feeling that it w as right and that she belonged there. How curious, she thought, but w e shall see w hat tomorrow brings.

Chapter Tw elve Bright and early the next morning, Tanith bundled up Fiona’s things and they crossed the square to “Kellach’s house.” The structure w as one large building, and she had seen none as yet to compare w ith its size. They stepped through the door and Fiona glanced quickly around the room. The few furnishings w ere w ell built and far better than any she had seen since she arrived. A huge bed, covered by sheepskins and soft bed linens, dw arfed the right side of the room, w hile a low table, w hich could easily sit tw elve people, occupied the large space to the left. Colorful oriental rugs w ere scattered about the floor and the w alls w ere decorated w ith w eaponry and primitive art. A fire pit in the center of the room provided w armth and, she assumed, the means to cook, since a spit balanced over it. This w as, w ithout doubt, the house of someone important! Conan ran around sniffing and investigating, and it w orried Fiona that he might decide to mark his territory and she didn’t w ant him to get the idea that it w as all right. This man, Kellach, w hoever he w as, w ouldn’t be happy if Conan left a calling card. Tanith opened a carved trunk and deposited Fiona’s things into it. “You use this,” she indicated and closed the lid. Fiona’s face mirrored her anxious feelings, “I don’t like staying here.” It w asn’t right for her to move into a place

staying here.” It w asn’t right for her to move into a place w here she had never met the ow ner or knew w hat w as expected of her. “Kellach be here soon,” Tanith smiled w armly, “you help out, clean, cook, w ash.” “Oh,” she said—things w ere getting clearer, she w as to be a housekeeper or cook or something like that. Servants w ere commonplace and w ere treated w ell. She visibly brightened, “I can do that.” She w as relieved, first of all because there w as a reason for her to be here and, second, she knew she had to do something; she couldn’t depend on Tanith or her family to support her forever, if she never returned home. Being a housekeeper w as respectable and safe, and it w as a job she w as fully capable of performing. “W hen does this ‘Kellach’ come?” she asked. “Soon, very soon, maybe tw o days, maybe four, w ho know s,” Tanith shrugged. “You w ill like Kellach.” Fiona w ished she w as able to converse more easily. She had so many questions but did not yet have the verbal skills to ask them. W hat connection did Tanith have to this person Kellach? W ho w as he? Was he one of their leaders? W as he young, old, kind, miserly, w hat w as he like? Tanith patted her hand, “Maybe you w ill like Kellach a lot.” Tanith had her ow n agenda, Kellach needed a w ife and he w anted children. Fiona w as the perfect choice. She w as kind, intelligent and beautiful, and Tanith w as going to make sure that she pushed them both in the right direction. “W here w ill I sleep?” Tanith pointed to the huge bed, “You sleep there.” “But isn’t that Kellach’s bed?” “Yes, but you can sleep there.”

“Yes, but you can sleep there.” “But w hat w ill I do w hen he gets back?” “Kellach w ill fix, don’t w orry. For now , you sleep there.” “Can I still come over to your house?” Fiona w asn’t sure if it w as appropriate for a servant to mingle w ith her employers in this place. Tanith laughed, “Of course, you are my sister, I have told you.” W ith that, Tanith led her around the room, pointing out various things and their uses and left shortly thereafter to w ander back to her ow n home. Fiona turned slow ly and eyed her new surroundings. It certainly w as a w elcoming, if somew hat ascetic, at mosphere. Nothing feminine about this place , and it didn’t take much imagination to figure out that a bachelor resided here, but it w as comfortable all the same. Conan w as nosing around and checking areas pretty closely and, rather than take the chance that he w ould do something inappropriate, she tied a rope on him and led him outside. He w as quick to learn for such a young puppy, eager to please and underfoot most of the time. As she w alked him, thoughts of her mother and father overw helmed her. It felt like forever since she had last seen them. Odd to think that, if she had traveled through time, neither one of them w ould even be thought of yet, let alone be born. She w as still finding it pretty hard to believe and imagining those things only made her feel all the lonelier. She scooped up Conan and hugged him to her. Better quit daydreaming and start getting things readied for her new employer’s return. She stepped back into the dw elling and w ent to w ork cleaning and tidying up. This Kellach guy w ouldn’t be sorry that she w as w orking for him. Keeping busy kept her morose thoughts at bay and made them easier to digest.

morose thoughts at bay and made them easier to digest. She cleared a small space and w ent to w ork setting up her herbs and, in no time, her little pharmacy w as in place. She found a small mortar and pestle for grinding the herbs and had conned Tanith out of a bunch of old material scraps for bandages. It w asn’t nearly as complete as her mother’s, but it w as a fair comparison. Feeling as though she had made a good start, she decided to take a small break and gather a few more plants. Everything she needed for gathering w as in a large basket except for w ater and a snack, if she needed one. It w as too nice outside to spend the day in, so a short jaunt w ould be a w elcome respite. Conan jumped and frolicked, and in his eagerness to go for a w alk, he w rapped himself up in the leash and she had to untangle him before they could leave. The sun w as high overhead, a few w ispy clouds w ere in view and a slight breeze stirred. A line of high hills edged the settlement on one side and it w as tow ard them that she turned. To the north, the large desert stretched, called by the villagers as the desert of no return or desert of death, something like that, and w hile there w ere probably plants she could use, venturing that direction w as not an option. Strolling along, she let her mind w ander and just enjoyed the moment. Conan follow ed along but took short trips to investigate w hatever caught his interest. The quiet w as unlike anything modern man could experience. The only sounds w ere those of nature and—the sound of a horse galloping up behind her. An as yet indistinct horse and rider w ere coming up fast on her. As they neared, she could make out the boy, Cyrnon, at the reins. He came alongside her and then slow ed to a w alk. Conan w as grow ling and yapping as though he w as protecting her, portents of a

yapping as though he w as protecting her, portents of a good w atch dog! She smiled up at Cyrnon, glad to have company. “Hello, Cyrnon, w hy here?” Cyrnon ducked his head, his face flaming red. At least some things hadn’t changed over time—thirteen year old boys still get tongue-tied w hen confronted by an interesting female. He stole a surreptitious look at Fiona and stuttered, “Tanith,” and then “Xiongnu” but continued talking so fast she w as unable to follow w hat he w as saying. “Too fast,” she said, “speak slow .” He nodded. “Horse name?” she questioned him. He grinned and looked aw ay, “Uasail.” “Ah, Uasail, good name.” He nodded his agreement and then chattered aw ay again. “Too fast!” she reiterated. He sighed and looked resigned. She suspected there w ere other things he w ould rather be doing than babysitting her. “Go,” she said w ith a smile on her face. She w aved tow ards the village. He scow led, “Tanith say stay, protect.” Thinking aloud in English she said, “Well, I guess Tanith thinks I need someone to watch over me, and you drew the short stick.” Cyrnon’s eyes mirrored his confusion. “Huh? W hat say?” She laughed and shrugged, it didn’t matter. It w ould just offend him if she managed to figure out how to tell him. “Pretty day,” w as her response. Cyrnon nodded and they moved companionably along in silence. By the time they w ere ready to head back to the settlement, her basket w as full w ith herbs and other interesting vegetation

basket w as full w ith herbs and other interesting vegetation and even some w ildflow er starts to plant near Kellach’s house. Conan had given out and Cyrnon w as carrying him on the horse. She opened her food pack and shared her snack w ith both of them. At the door to Kellach’s house she stopped, “Go next time?” she asked. Cyrnon smiled, “Yes, next time.” He handed Conan to her and cantered aw ay. Evening w as fast approaching. Across the square, Tanith w aved and motioned her over. Food w as already prepared and on the table. Siran and Machar w ere seated and Fiona w as w elcomed. “How you like Kellach’s house?” “Very nice, very big,” Fiona motioned w ith her hands, “too big for me.” “Kellach be home soon, w ill fill up house.” “W ho is Kellach?” Tanith thought for a moment, “Kellach Lord of Yuezhi.” “W hat is ‘Yuezhi?’” Tanith opened her arms w ide, “Yellow people call us ‘Yuezhi’.” “People called Yuezhi?” Tanith nodded. “W hat is Xiongnu?” “Bad people live there,” Tanith pointed north, “they kill and take Yuehzi.” “Oh,” Fiona said understanding, “but w ho Kellach to you?” Tanith considered, this w ould be harder to convey. She took Fiona’s hand and led her to Nuala and Baroc’s residence. Motioning to them and herself, she said “My macar, pacar.” Okay, she knew they w ere Tanith’s parents.

macar, pacar.” Okay, she knew they w ere Tanith’s parents. “Kellach’s macar, pacar,” and again pointed to the older couple. “Kellach Tanith pracar.” “He’s your brother!” she exclaimed in English. Now she at least knew his connection to them. Tanith shrugged. “I see,” Fiona shook her head “yes.” Tanith smiled and after hugging her parents, they returned home. The next few days passed slow ly and Fiona settled into a regular routine. She w orked on her pharmacy, readied the house for Kellach’s return, visited Tanith and her family, w alked to the market and w orked on training Conan. He w as such a good companion and helped ease the loneliness she felt in a w orld w here she w as the different one. Never before had it occurred to her how it felt to be an outsider, she had alw ays belonged

Chapter Thirteen The mountains of home loomed nearer. The journey w as almost over and it w as Kellach’s intention to settle dow n and stay in one place. It w as time. He had made his fortune and seen the w orld beyond the horizon. A large flock of sheep moved ahead of them, healthy animals w ho w ould make prime breeding stock. He had handpicked the entire lot and haggled long and hard. W hen it w as all finished and done, both sides w ere pleased w ith the outcome. He and his men had rested at the southern settlement for a w eek before heading home. Thus far, they had made good time but all w ould be glad to see the end in sight. They w ould be home this night, late to be sure, but home all the same. Kellach w as tired and looked forw ard to a few days of rest before he assumed the duties of his station. He w as a Warrior Lord by right but only now did he feel comfortable in assuming that role. Time and experience settled w ell on him and he looked forw ard to the challenge. In the distance, outriders raced back, excitement rippled through. The settlement w as sighted in the distance and the mood lightened w ith each passing moment. **** Fiona and Tanith made their daily visit to the

Fiona and Tanith made their daily visit to the marketplace. An air of excitement permeated and Fiona w as at a loss to understand w hat w as happening. Cyrnon raced up and chattered a stream of incomprehensible garbage. As he spoke, a smile lit up Tanith’s face and she turned to Fiona, “Kellach returns this night or perhaps early morning.” Her stomach did a nose dive, “So soon?” She had hoped for more time to herself before facing the dreaded “Kellach.” She w as just getting accustomed to being alone and had looked forw ard to solitude for a w hile longer. It appeared she w ould be stepping into the shoes of housekeeper and cook sooner than she thought. Tanith hurried her along. Food needed to be purchased and prepared before his arrival and she w anted Fiona to be presented in the best possible w ay. A man’s stomach w as important to him and a w oman w ho could please in that w ay w as invaluable. Of course, other aspects w ere important as w ell, but Tanith w anted their first meeting to be a good one. They soon had a meal in the making and Fiona ran around making sure the bed linens w ere clean, the floor sw ept and last minute preparations completed. Machar kept Conan busy and out of the w ay, so she didn’t have to w orry about stepping on him or cleaning up his little mistakes. W hen all w as finished to Tanith’s approval, they sat dow n to rest. “We bath now ,” Tanith directed, “and then I fix your hair.” “W hy so soon?” “No time later and w ant to look nice.” Fiona had made a habit of taking time each evening for a trip to the bath house. Never being comfortable w ith

for a trip to the bath house. Never being comfortable w ith being nude in front of a group of people, she had fashioned herself a sort of sw imsuit, to the amusement of all. Men as w ell as w omen regularly visited the bath house and Fiona spent most of her time looking at the w alls, the ceiling or anyplace other than directly at the bathers. These w ere a clean people, but dental health w as a problem in large part. A w oman w ho made it to adulthood w ith all her front teeth w as considered a beauty w hether or not she really w as. Tanith’s teeth w ere very good and Fiona’s w ere in excellent shape. The trip to the bath house w as made in short order and in no time, Tanith had Fiona seated and w as efficiently grooming her hair. “Kellach w ill like your hair,” she observed. Fiona did not understand w hy her appearance w as so important to a prospective employer. Her w ork ethics w ere by far the most important standard right now . A good employee w as measured by the quality and efficiency of their w ork, not on personal appearances—at least in modern times it w as. She w as still too new to this place to fully understand w hat constituted a good employee. Tanith soon finished and she held up a brass mirror for Fiona’s approval. Tanith had pulled the sides back in braids and anchored them behind w ith a cloth tie. Soft tendrils escaped dow n the sides of her face, softening the effect. Fiona nodded her approval. Tanith ran across the square and quickly returned w ith a loose tunic of silk the color of w arm burgundy, much too nice for a mere servant, but Tanith w as insistent she w ear it. W hy, it hardly covered anything, and Tanith had forgotten to bring any sort of underthings to w ear w ith it. She felt pretty exposed and concerned. This w as the stuff hot sex w as made of. She frow ned at Tanith, “I can’t w ear.”

frow ned at Tanith, “I can’t w ear.” “Yes, you w ear, Kellach like very much.” “I’m sure he w ill, but I do not like.” Good grief, the cool air of the evening had her nipples sticking out anyw ay and it embarrassed her to even think that a man she had never met w ould see her this w ay for the first time. “W hy dress like this?” Fiona sw ept her hand dow n the front of her. “Make pretty, Kellach like pretty.” Tanith eyed Fiona, yes, the tunic w as perfect, the color brought out the soft blush of her cheeks, the material draping softly dow n, caressing every limb as though from a lover’s touch. Exactly the right impression Tanith w as hoping to make. Fiona snorted. The minute Tanith w as gone, the outfit w as out. She w ould w ear one of those she w ore on a daily basis and present herself for w hat she w as—the housekeeper, not some w oman of the evening out on the tow n. Tanith gathered up her hair items and, w ith a quick kiss, she turned to leave, “You look good.” W ith that, she left. The silk did feel w onderful and it w ouldn’t hurt to w ear it for aw hile before changing. Silk pajamas w ere expensive at home and her paychecks generally only allow ed for cotton nighties. Tanith hadn’t mentioned exactly w hen Kellach w ould arrive but she suspected she had plenty of time before changing. Machar burst in w ith Conan, handed her the leash, and ran out the door, banging into things as he left, like a normal four year old. Conan bounced around and ran to his food dish and looked expectantly at her. She fed him, and then, deciding to rest aw hile, she lay dow n for a short break. It had been a long and tiring day and a short rest w ould be w elcome. She

and tiring day and a short rest w ould be w elcome. She promptly fell deeply asleep. **** The sheep had been driven to the holding pens and guards posted. After making sure the animals w ere secure, Kellach bid his men goodnight and made his w ay to the bath house. He stripped and stepped dow n into the w ater, the w armth of the w ater easing his aching muscles and relaxing him. They had pushed the animals harder today so to be home, and he w as w eary to the bone. He w ashed dow n quickly, and then strode naked to his abode, the darkness covering his passage. He entered quietly and dropped his clothing and w eapons on the floor. Soft candlelight bathed the room and food w armed on the hearth. A servant must have anticipated his arrival and thought to leave some w elcome. He w as too tired to eat, though, and decided to dine w hen he arose. He moved to the bed and as he made to climb in, a small cur jumped up and began yapping shrilly, startling him so that he straightened up, somew hat alarmed. A lump in the bed moved and rolled tow ards him. His hand moved to reach for his knife, but found nothing. His w eapons lay on the floor near the table in the center of the room. The covers fell back and a female form sat up. Sleep fogging her brain, Fiona heard the pup w ildly barking. She rolled over to see w hat w as disturbing him, and came face to face w ith male genitalia, and from her nursing experience, rather large male genitalia. As she stared, it stirred ever so slightly. Her eyes traveled slow ly up higher and higher, over a muscled w aist that w as a least an eight pack, to hardened pecs and, lastly, a scow ling male face surrounded by shoulder length w et blonde hair. She had to tilt her head back to see him. The man w as a giant!

had to tilt her head back to see him. The man w as a giant! He reached for her and as he did, adrenaline surged through her and she scrambled to the back of the bed, grabbing the puppy as she w ent. The w all stopped her progress and she braced herself against it, standing up. From her vantage point, she w as able to see the entire length of the man. Had this been a different situation, she w ould have appreciated the fact that he w as the most outrageously gorgeous hunk of male she had ever seen. He pointed at her and began speaking, but Fiona w as too confused and frightened to make sense of w hat he said. Her heart w as pounding w ildly and she w as gasping, such that she w as afraid she w ould hyperventilate. Kellach w as rooted to the spot. The w oman before him w as beautiful by any standard. Her huge green eyes reflected the light from the candles and her trembling lips w ere lush and full. Her nose w as small and straight and creamy skin graced her perfect visage. Long hair the color of silver moonbeams fell to below her w aist, the sides pulled back in braids. One shoulder w as bare as the shapeless gow n slipped off, and the promise of full breasts tantalized his perusal. W ho w as she and w hy w as she sleeping in his bed—and w ith a dog? “W ho are you and w hat are you doing here?” he grow led at her. He w as exhausted and, although she interested him greatly, he w anted to sleep. Fiona clutched the puppy tighter, he w as yelling at her and too fast for her to understand. She tried to think of something to say, but her mind w asn’t w orking. She remembered, “Kellach’s house,” she screamed at him. Kellach nodded, yes, it w as his house. At least they had that covered. “Go,” she screeched and pointed to the door.

“Go,” she screeched and pointed to the door. Kellach shook his head, trying to clear his mind. The w oman appeared to know it w as his house but w as screaming at him to go, this didn’t make sense. Fiona edged farther aw ay from him, “Kellach’s house,” she screamed again, “go.” She pointed to the door. The puppy w as going w ild and he reached over to take the nervous puppy from the w oman, before his bed suffered. Not understanding his intent, and being terrified in any event, she jumped from the bed and ran to the far side of the table, screaming as she ran. Kellach moved aw ay from the bed and tow ard the table, “W ho are you and w hy are you here?” he tried again. Fiona raced to the other side, her hair flying behind her. The tunic revealed more than it covered, and a good portion of shapely legs and thighs flashed. W ith her back to the fire pit, the silk provided little cover. A part of Kellach enjoyed the view , but the other part w as irritated and frustrated. Kellach finally threw up his hands, grabbed a drape covering one of the chairs, w rapped it around his loins, and marched out the door. He crossed the square and, w ithout w arning, entered Tanith’s residence. She w as sitting near the fire mending and Siran w as lying on the bed near a sleeping Machar. Tanith’s face brightened as she regarded him. “You’ve returned, my brother, w elcome.” Kellach scow led, “W ho is the w oman?” “W hat w oman?” Tanith innocently asked. “The one in my house, sleeping in my bed—w ith a dog,” he replied tersely. “Oh, that w oman,” she said sw eetly. Siran raised up from the bed, “Oh, you mean the crone ?”

crone ?” “W hat crone?” he asked. Siran grinned w ickedly, “The one you found on our journey.” Kellach paused, a vision of the hideous old crone flashed through his mind. Surely they w ere not one and the same. “She healed w ell w hile you w ere gone, did she not?” Siran teased him. “I ask again, w hat is she doing in my bed?” “You found her, she’s yours.” “If she is mine, w hy is she telling me to leave my ow n house and screeching like a demented w oman.” Tanith frow ned at him, noting his state of undress. “Did you try to harm her?” “I but tried to get into my ow n bed and the cur began yapping at me, then she started screaming and running around the room.” Siran snorted and began laughing, and Tanith’s mouth stretched in a w ide grin. “She’s your new housekeeper.” “Housekeeper! She’s my housekeeper? W hy is she sleeping in my bed, then? W hy haven’t you found suitable lodging for her?” “That is your duty, I only made her comfortable until your return.” Kellach suspected there w as more to this situation than met the eye. The beautiful w oman in his bed w as hardly w hat one w ould expect as a housekeeper. Housekeepers w ere old and ugly, they w eren’t young and beautiful. It did not make sense. He pushed his hair back from his face and planted his hands on his hips, glaring at them. They w ere enjoying this far too much for his liking. “I suspect I had better go over there and calm her

“I suspect I had better go over there and calm her fears,” Tanith rose and moved tow ards the door, “but please stay quiet, she understands very little yet of w hat w e speak.” “Oh, I’m to have a housekeeper w ho can’t even understand w hat directions I give?” “She understands quite a bit, but you have to speak slow ly, she is learning more every day. Be gentle w ith her and she w ill serve you w ell.” Fiona w as still shaking. Her eyes w ere glued to the door, w atchful should the naked giant return. Thankfully, he hadn’t done more than just scare her. The puppy w himpered, as if sensing her distress. “Well, Conan, I don’t think we handled that one very well. But he was awfully big...in more ways than one ,” she admitted to herself, embarrassed that she knew that. She quickly looked around for a w eapon should he come back. Decorative w eapons hung in several places on the w all areas but she didn’t know if she w ould be able to get them dow n quickly if the need arose. A large cooking knife w as easily accessible and she grasped it and readied herself. If he returned, she w ould do w hatever she had to survive. Voices sounded outside and her heart stopped. The door opened and Tanith stepped through, follow ed by the halfnaked giant. “He attacked me,” Fiona exclaimed, pointing her knife at the purported intruder. “He attacked you?” Tanith questioned, looking to the giant. She chattered a quick stream of w ords and the giant shook his head vehemently “no.” Tanith laughed and turned to the giant. “This Kellach,” she said patting his chest. “That is Kellach?” It couldn’t be, but of course it w as.

“That is Kellach?” It couldn’t be, but of course it w as. Family resemblance w as apparent w ith the tw o siblings standing next to each other. He w as, of course, considerably taller than Tanith, but the resemblance w as there just the same. W hile Tanith’s face beamed, his face glow ered. Fiona’s face flushed. “I didn’t know ,” she said miserably. Her first meeting w ith her new employer w as not going w ell. No doubt, this w ould be her last day, given the look on his face. Fiona became conscious that she w as only w earing the silk tunic and moved to grab a throw . She draped the throw around her and turned to face Kellach. “Very sorry,” she said, looking contrite. Tanith looked from one to the other, “All fine now , I go home.” “Tanith,” Fiona exclaimed, “Please stay.” Tanith grinned, “You feed him, hungry.” She nodded at the food and left. Fiona w ent to the fire and gathered up the food she had prepared earlier. She moved to the table and arranged a place for Kellach. He stood still, w atching every move she made and finally sat dow n at the table. She handed him a small cutting knife and retired to a corner of the room w hile he dined. The food w as excellent and, though he w as tired, Kellach enjoyed the repast. Food w as w hat he needed and by the time he w as finished, his mood had lightened considerably. The w oman cow ered in the far corner and, unless he w anted to be up the rest of the night, some conditions had to be decided. W hat those w ere, he w asn’t ready to determine. He turned to Fiona, “Sleep now , talk in the morning.” W ith that, he moved to the bed and got in. The cur nipped at his heel and she grabbed him up. “Dog

The cur nipped at his heel and she grabbed him up. “Dog outside,” he said. She shook her head “no,” and clutched the puppy to her. Fiona stood there in confusion. W here w as she to sleep now , there w as only the one bed and he w as in it. He regarded her closely and then motioned for her to get in . Like that was going to happen ! She shook her head adamantly “no” and stood her ground. He shrugged his shoulders as if to say “no matter” and rolled to his side, he w ould deal w ith it in the morning as w ell. Right now , he just w anted to sleep. The dog w ould stay in the stable from now on at night. Dogs belonged outside, they didn’t belong inside. And w hat fool kept a housekeeper w ho looked like she did? W ithin a few short moments, snores came softly from the bed. Fiona stood there, w atching him sleep. He certainly w asn’t w hat she expected and the situation certainly w asn’t w hat she expected, either. Certainly, Tanith didn’t expect her to entertain him that way as w ell as serve him. Unless you considered the gow n—in that context, the w hole situation changed. She carefully pulled a few blankets and sheepskins from the bed and fashioned a sleeping pad on the floor. Tucking Conan against her side, she lay there tensely, w aiting for any untow ard movement he might make. Time passed and he continued softly snoring and, finally, Fiona drifted off to sleep. Though he pretended to sleep, Kellach found himself listening to the w oman’s restless tossing and turning, disgruntled by her intrusion on his heretofore cherished privacy. W hen he did sleep, he slept fitfully, his dreams troubled by visions of a beautiful w oman w ith hair the color

troubled by visions of a beautiful w oman w ith hair the color of moonbeams, w ho beckoned and beguiled him w ith w hispered promises of untold delight. Kellach w oke and sat up. The w oman w as sleeping on the floor, the cur tucked under her chin. He moved to stand up, sw ung his feet over the side of the bed and stepped dow n into something slimy, oozing up through his toes. He cursed and the w oman w oke up. She sat up, confusion registering on her face. Her eyes w idened as she looked at him and then moved dow n to his foot. Sometime in the night, Conan had gotten up and deposited a little gift at the side of the bed, and he stepped in it. Kellach limped out the door, glaring at her and Conan. Fiona rushed to clean up the mess before he returned, scolding Conan as she did so. Things w ere certainly not going w ell. She threw on a w arm robe and herded Conan out the door. He ran over to Kellach, w ho w as attempting to clean off his foot. More glares. “Sorry,” she said, “puppy not good.” He grunted, and continued w iping off his foot. W hen it w as somew hat clean, he stomped back into the house. She follow ed, handed him a w et rag and raced around preparing breakfast. If nothing else, she w as a good cook and perhaps he w ould forgive Conan on a full stomach. After he finished eating, Kellach dressed and prepared to leave. “Talk w hen I get home,” he said. Fiona’s heart sank, she w as probably going to be fired, if that’s w hat they did here. She had no idea w hat w ould happen. Tanith had taken care of her long enough and she needed to pay her w ay. “Very sorry, Conan bad puppy, w ill get better,” she tried miserably.

tried miserably. Kellach looked at her, she seemed so forlorn standing there and the cur seemed so important to her. Secretly, he relented, but he w ould let her w orry for aw hile. But the cur better learn some manners or he w as in the stable!

Chapter Fourteen Aside from her duties as Kellach’s housekeeper, Fiona began taking care of minor injuries, fevers, colds, and numerous other health-related conditions in the community. As her skill as a healer spread, more and more people w ould gather every day seeking her help. Fiona turned none aw ay and betw een housekeeping, gathering herbs and preparing and dispensing herbal remedies, her days w ere filled. Most of her patients paid in coin but others paid in trade goods w hich w ere negotiable as w ell. In that w ay, her small coffer steadily grew . She used some of her hoarded money for small necessities from the marketplace, but the larger portion she saved. She hoped to eventually have enough money to travel east, her optimism held fast in finding the doorw ay home. At various times she asked Siran to take her back to w here they originally found her, but he w as loathe to do so, saying she should make her request to Kellach. Kellach w as an enigma. He w as polite if somew hat distant, and on more than one occasion, she w ould turn and he w ould be staring at her, brooding and intense. W hen asked if he needed anything, he w ould quickly exit and return hours later, sometimes smelling of w ine and cheap perfume. On those occasions, she w ould lay aw ake for hours, trepidation keeping her aw ake. She could hear him moving about the room, but he never overstepped the

him moving about the room, but he never overstepped the boundaries. In all respects, he w as considerate of her. He purchased a sturdy bed, w hich he arranged next to the chest she used for storage. He never questioned her need for privacy and allow ed her a small area of his home w hich she cordoned off w ith hanging drapes. Theirs w as a comfortable, if aloof, relationship w hich she found acceptable. He w as the employer, she w as the employee. She did w ish that she didn’t feel quite so nervous w henever he w as around but trusted that w ould pass in time. Kellach grew to accept Conan as w ell and there w ere times that Conan w ould actually desert her to be w ith Kellach, w ho absentmindedly scratched him behind his ears. He w as patient w ith her and, if she made a mistake, never reproved her, only his mouth w ould quirk at times, as if he w ere trying to keep from laughing. He had never yet let himself entirely relax around her, and as a result, she w as on guard as w ell. After living there about a month, she finally found the nerve to ask him about taking her back to the place he found her. He considered her request and his quick response w as that it w as too far and nothing w as there anyw ay. She repeated the request several times, but each time he gave the same answ er. He brushed off her requests and, though she w anted to, she knew w ithout being told that no amount of pleading w ould change his mind. Fiona w as unw illing to accept the fact that she might never go home again, somehow she arrived here and somehow she planned to go back. Worry for her parents and homesickness w ere uppermost in her mind. Not that she didn’t find some measure of happiness in this place, but it w asn’t the life she had w orked for and the loss of her

it w asn’t the life she had w orked for and the loss of her family’s comfort w as too distressing to contemplate. She harbored the idea that perhaps someone in the east had the know ledge to help send her back. They must call it the mysterious east for some reason. Her language skills grew daily and she w as able to carry on conversations w ithout losing much in the interpretation. Tanith and Cyrnon w ere alw ays w illing to w ork w ith her and she progressed quickly. Trips to the marketplace w ere learning sessions as w ell. Care had to be taken to avoid paying dearly for the goods purchased. W ily merchants w ere ever anxious to fleece the unw ary and bartering w as so fast and furious that at times Fiona w as lost. She w as getting better at it and quickly learned w hich w ere the most fair in their dealings. Caravans passed through quite often and, although Fiona had given up trying to negotiate a ride w ith them, she never passed up the opportunity to view the encampments w ith interest. Dusky-skinned men w ith turbans w rapped around their heads and large w eapons at their sides kept unw elcome visitors at bay. Their w omen w ere only view ed from a distance, and never outside the confines of the enclosure. An air of excitement gripped the settlement each time a new group of travelers arrived. She learned from Tanith that Kellach had traveled extensively in his quest to find trade goods and trade contracts and that he dealt almost exclusively in jade. Jade w as a commodity mined from the nearby river and to some extent in the outlaying areas and w as greatly valued by the Emperor to the east. Large shipments w ent out regularly and Kellach w as often on hand preparing the goods. He w as w ell respected in his status as a Warrior Lord, but it w as clear that he w as

status as a Warrior Lord, but it w as clear that he w as know ledgeable as a trader as w ell. It w as also clear that he w as not adverse to laboring alongside his servants should the need arise. He rode out every day to check on his herds and each day visited the Council chambers to discuss the community’s needs and help in the decision-making process.

Chapter Fifteen Although she kept his house and prepared his meals, she w as not privy to any of Kellach’s personal thoughts. Her attempts to form a friendship w ith him w ere largely rebuffed, and she had yet to reason w hy. Evenings w ere spent mostly alone, so she continued w ith her evening trip to the bath house as a diversion. Modesty aside, she gave up the bathing suit as she became less conscious of her ow n nudity. No one seemed to notice and they w ere respectful and considerate. Many of the w omen w ere the same each evening and, although the men generally bathed later, they w ould be in attendance from time to time. Trying to fit in, she w ent on the premise that “w hen in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Kellach had not returned for the evening meal, and Fiona left it w arming on the hearth. She gathered up a length of cloth for a tow el and headed dow n for her evening bath. W ind w as a constant companion here and it w as really kicking up. She opted to leave Conan behind, tying him to the table near his food dish and commanding him to stay. He lay dow n on the floor, dejection and disappointment dripping from his sad gaze. The w ind w hipped her skirts and dust blew in her face. Maybe this w asn’t such a good idea after all. Although the w ind w as really blow ing in gale force, the bath house w as made of sturdy w ood and protected the pool from the

w as made of sturdy w ood and protected the pool from the outside w eather conditions. Rarely w as the bath house empty, but on this occasion it w as. She w as pleased and looked forw ard to a few moments of solitude. She quickly undressed and stepped into the pool. The w ater w as clear and inviting and the heat from the hot pool caused steam to flood the room, w arming her skin. The room w as lit by only one small oil lamp flickering on the far w all and shadow s lurked in the corners. Feeling totally alone, she kicked and rolled around, enjoying freedom from the ever present w atchers. She ducked totally under, intending to w ash her hair, and w hen she surfaced, her w ater-blurred eyes detected a form standing at the door. She gasped in alarm. Her vision cleared and Kellach’s large outline materialized. Fiona’s skin flushed red and she sank low er into the pool, her hands crossed in front of her for cover. Kellach leaned against the door and w atched her, his eyes never leaving her for a moment. Trying to appear at ease and unconcerned, she turned her back to him and moved to the far side of the pool. He w alked around the pool and squatted dow n, looking her in the face, his eyes unreadable. “You should not have come here alone,” he said softly. “W hy? No one is here.” “You didn’t know that until you arrived. It’s dangerous for a w oman to be out alone.” Trying to appear unafraid, she said, “Well, I’m not alone now , you’re here.” The barest w hisper of a smile moved his lips, “As I said, it’s dangerous for a w oman alone out here.” “Are you suggesting that I should fear you?” she

“Are you suggesting that I should fear you?” she questioned him. “I am a man,” his eyes gleamed. Fiona’s lips trembled slightly and she reached for the tow el. “Perhaps you are right, I should return.” He moved the tow el to a bench and slow ly undressed, his eyes never leaving her, “I see no reason for you to leave, I w ill need your services to w ash my back.” Fully nude, he paused, as if giving her the chance to view him completely—like she had forgotten how he looked the first time—and slid into the w ater. He advanced slow ly on her. Fiona’s heart raced. The large pool suddenly seemed dw arfed by his size. He pursued her leisurely, w ading slow ly through the w ater, a small smirk lifting his lips. His eyes bored into her and pierced her w ith their directness. Fiona backed aw ay. Her breathing quickened into short shallow gasps and her movements w ere sluggish at best. W hen the rocks on the side of the pool stopped her retreat, he smiled. This w as the first time he had ever actually smiled at her and she w as staggered by her response! His smile lit up his face, softening the hard edges and w arming his eyes. Huge dimples deepened his cheeks. She had never really noticed before the small cleft in his otherw ise strong chin. Her foolish mind acknow ledged and admired those genetic defects. Tanith had them as w ell, but on him, they w ere devastating. His teeth w ere blindingly w hite and straight, and the only noticeable flaw w as a very slightly overlapping eyetooth. Far from being an imperfection, it only added to his smile. He w as gorgeous w hen he smiled. She stood rooted to the spot, staring idiotically at him for a long moment, enough time for him to

idiotically at him for a long moment, enough time for him to close in and capture her w ithin the circle of his arms. Her mind refused to respond intelligently and all she w as able to say w as “I can’t w ash your back if you trap me thus.” His smile only w idened more, “Perhaps there are more important areas that need attending besides my back.” He leaned dow n and nuzzled her neck, breathing in her heady scent, a scent w holly Fiona and far better than the foreign oils used by other w omen. Fiona’s knees buckled slightly and she braced them to keep from losing her balance. He w as too near and she w asn’t able to think clearly. His tongue tickled her ear and shivers raced along her senses. She pushed at him. “I can’t think w ith you standing so near,” she complained, “and I don’t think I should help you w ash.” “W hy not,” he breathed softly. “I think you w ould do a fine job, and you are my servant, are you not?” He trailed small light kisses along her neck and dow n her shoulder, the sensation so startling her that she jumped. It amused him that he affected her so, she had not show n any interest in him thus far, alw ays busy and out of reach, but perhaps he w as mistaken. Her resolve seemed to be slipping and he pushed against her, his long body pressed fully against her. She w as soft w here it mattered and her w aist w as incredibly narrow , curving dow n to enticingly small hips and even further to shapely legs. Fiona tried to push him aw ay, his nearness w as too disconcerting; it w as obvious he w as aroused and grow ing more so w ith each passing moment. Panic heightened her anxiety. “I am your housekeeper, not your personal maid. Now let me go,” she demanded. He seemed unconcerned w ith her outburst and

He seemed unconcerned w ith her outburst and continued his lazy exploration of her body. His hands seemed to be everyw here and she w as unable to stop the desire that coursed through her. It had been a long time, no forever, since she had been held and touched the w ay he w as holding and touching her. Truthfully, she had never been held or touched by any man so completely. Things w ere getting out of hand and she w asn’t prepared for this. Ducking dow n, she slipped out of his grasp and backpeddled quickly to the far side. He turned and grinned, “My back still needs w ashing.” Fiona reached up and grabbed her tow el and stepped out of the pool, uncaring that her shapely behind w as bare. She slipped her tunic on and w hen she w as covered, she turned and faced him, angry now , “I am not your plaything. You go too far and I am not amused. I am not staying in this place, I am leaving the first chance I get. I w ant to go home!” Unshed tears glistened in her eyes. Kellach w as astounded to find that he w as w ounded by her w ords. W hy did it matter so much to him that she w anted to leave? “W here w ould you go?” “I w ant to go back to w here you found me. I need to see if there is anything that w ould help me find my w ay home!” He stepped out of the pool, “There is nothing there, you w ould not find w hat you seek.” “W ill you take me?” She begged. He shook his head, “I have no w ish to travel there. I told you, it is barren country. There is nothing there and the journey too dangerous.” Fiona w hirled and stomped out, the w ind had died dow n and she ran up the hill and into the dw elling. Conan jumped up w hen she entered, pulling against his rope,

jumped up w hen she entered, pulling against his rope, trying to get to her. Tears overflow ed and she buried her face in his fur. Time w as passing and she w as afraid if she didn’t get back soon, she never w ould. She didn’t w ant to die in this place, she w anted to return home and be babied by her mother and father and go out on the tow n w ith Meagan and live the life she knew . Not this. Sobs w racked her body for some time and finally, w hen she couldn’t cry anymore, she prepared for bed. It w as very late and Kellach had still not returned and she w ondered if he w ould this night.

Chapter Sixteen The bathhouse w as too silent and empty after Fiona left, and he w as alone w ith his dark thoughts. Kellach dressed slow ly and stepped out into the night. The tearing w ind had quieted and a slight breeze w afted over him, cooling his heated skin. He turned tow ards home, but changed his mind. No comfort to be had there, he thought, and instead w ent to share a cup of w ine w ith his men. The inns w ere bustling w ith patrons and, after several attempts, he found Durlach and a few others. Durlach w aved him over and he made his w ay through the crow d and sat dow n. Immediately, a serving girl came over and set a flagon of w ine before him. He drank deeply w hile his eyes searched the room. Men from every class joined here to partake in the dark side of life. Loose w omen moved from table to table, ever w illing to entertain paying customers in the small huts out back. Disinterested, Kellach ignored their practiced posturing. Durlach drew a circle of w ine on the table, “Elochad is leading a caravan to the east next spring, I w ould join w ith him.” Kellach nodded, such w as expected. Durlach w as young and had many things to experience before he w ould be ready to stay in one place. Kellach w ould sorely miss him but w ould not stand in his w ay. “Elochad is a fair man, he w ill treat you w ell.” “If I thought you w ould have need of me, I w ould not

“If I thought you w ould have need of me, I w ould not go,” Durlach looked expectantly at him. “My needs should not stand in your w ay, go and make your fortune.” He slapped Durlach on the arm. Durlach w as like a brother to him and he w ould miss his company. “W hy do you w ait so long?” “Engai threatens him should he leave so soon,” he chuckled. Many of the w omen w ould make the same threat, the journeys w ere long and it w as hard to be left behind. “Spring w ill come soon enough and, until then, I w ill have need of your arm.” A plump arm circled his neck from behind and a strident voice exclaimed, “Kellach, w here have you been? I heard you w ere back but you have not visited me.” Moluag moved around and planted herself on his lap. He smiled and hugged her. Moluag had been a favorite w ith him, mostly because she w as easy w ith her charms and cleaner than most and she w as never jealous if he favored another. She w as merry and w itty and never lacked for company. Tonight, though, for the first time, he noticed how her perfume overw helmed him, poured on in an attempt to cover the smell of sw eat and other men, he supposed. Her red hair hung in oily tendrils and her breath smelled of sour w ine. He also noticed other things, the lines on her face and the sagging breasts. Her opulent figure used to please him, but tonight he felt repelled by her. Unconsciously, he compared her buxom figure to another’s and found Moluag w anting. Broodingly, he w ondered, w hen had his tastes changed so much? W hen did silvery blonde hair and green eyes become his standard of comparison? Moluag leaned forw ard to kiss him and he pushed her

Moluag leaned forw ard to kiss him and he pushed her gently aw ay. Surprise tw isted her features and, after looking into his eyes and reading the message there, she moved back in disappointment. Kellach had ever been special to her and that she w as noticed by so great a Lord w as good for business. Kellach stood up and she slid from his lap, confusion on her face. “The problem lies not w ith you, Moluag, but w ith me,” he denied her gently. “I w ould seek tamer company.” Moluag smiled, pleased that he w ould name her more than he could handle. Others close by heard this and clamored for her attention. She tossed her head and moved aw ay. She could still please most and she had no doubt Kellach w ould be back. Rumors w ere that he had a w oman now , but if he had a new w oman, w hy w as he here? Time w ould return him to her. Kellach moved to leave and Durlach follow ed. The thought of going home right now w as not a temptation for him so they moved on to another inn. Laughter and music burst from the door and scantily clad dancers moved through the throng of revelers. More of his men w ere found here and soon they w ere drinking cup for cup. A slim Oriental w oman danced sinuously tow ard him, her dark eyes promising unknow n pleasures, but he felt no interest in her, she w as too dark to suit. W ine flow ed and soon his brain w as fogged, the room sw ayed and tilted. He staggered to his feet, “I w ould seek my ow n bed,” he declared, “w hilst I can still find my w ay.” Protests rang from every side. “I must go home to my w oman,” he declared, “she w aits my arrival.” He leered convincingly, to his mind anyw ay, and reeled to the door. “I must not disappoint her.” She w ould be w aiting for his attention and he w ould satisfy her as no other. The night

attention and he w ould satisfy her as no other. The night w as cold and bracing and his brain cleared just enough to find his w ay home. Pots, plants and rocks fought w ith him as he staggered home and more than once, someone needlessly tripped him. He w ould find the beggar on the morrow and teach him the lesson he deserved. **** Long w akeful hours passed and, in the early hours of the morning, Kellach finally returned, singing off-key as he bumped and banged into every piece of furniture. From her w arm nest, she imagined his hard body as he undressed, as she did on countless other sleepless nights. “Fiona,” he sang, “my lovely servant, w here are you?” Fiona burrow ed dow n further into her covers and pretended to sleep. Kellach banged against a chair outside her little corner and cursed loudly. Conan lifted up and grow led, his body stiff. “I know you’re in there,” he said cheerfully, “come out and attend to me.” Fiona grinned in the dark. It w as hard to stay mad. Nothing like a drunk to liven things up. “Go aw ay” she said feigning anger. “I’m asleep.” He leaned through the curtains, a drunken leer on his face, “I could w ake you up and then you could assist me.” He w aggled his eyebrow s. The smell of the w ine he had been drinking almost suffocated her. “I told you I’m asleep, now go aw ay.” “If you w ere really asleep, you w ouldn’t be talking. I know you have been w aiting for me,” he argued hopefully. “I have come to satisfy you.” He lurched forw ard and became entangled in the curtains, and as he fell, they came dow n about him, w rapping him securely. He fought for a few moments and

w rapping him securely. He fought for a few moments and then lay still. Fiona w aited for his next move, and w hen none came, she leaned over and lifted the cover from his face. The idiot had passed out and w as snoring! Fiona chuckled and reached for a bed cover. He could sleep on the floor. There w as no w ay she w ould be able to get him to bed. For goodness sakes, he w eighed far too much for her to lift him. Feeling guilty, she w orked a pillow under his head and smoothed his hair from his face. Too bad she w asn’t going to stay, he w ould have been interesting.

Chapter Seventeen Light pierced his eyelids and his head w as pounding as though from a thousand drums. Something w et w as continuously moving across his face, and w hen he squinted one eye open, Conan w as perched on his chest, giving his face a good cleaning and as he stared, a large w et tongue applied another layer of slime. He brushed the dog off and attempted to sit up. Pain w racked his brain and his head felt as though it w ere splitting! His stomach rolled and the taste of his ow n mouth gagged him. Fiona moved around near the cooking fire and turned as she heard his movements. “So, you’re aw ake,” she needlessly commented, “and looking none too good, either.” Kellach groaned, last night fumes still sat in his nose. Fiona fixed something in a cup and brought it to him. “Drink this, it w ill make you feel better.” He drank the liquid in one gulp and almost choked on the taste. “By the Gods, Woman, do you seek to murder me?” he roared. Fiona chuckled and turned back to the cooking fire. She ladled out something hot and brought the bow l to him. Just the thought of eating made his stomach heave and the smell offended him greatly. Fiona noted the green tinge to Kellach’s face and had to turn aw ay to keep him from seeing her grin. The big strong man did have a few w eaknesses. “Eat and you w ill

strong man did have a few w eaknesses. “Eat and you w ill feel better.” He set the bow l dow n, “I can’t eat this now , I fear it w ouldn’t set w ell on my stomach.” “Suit yourself, it’s your life to suffer,” she smirked and prepared to leave. “W here are you going,” he asked crossly. “I don’t think I should be alone, I am too ill.” Fiona laughed outright, “You’ll live, but perhaps you’ll w ish you didn’t. Last night might have been more fun that you could handle.” Kellach glared at her, the w hites of his eyes colored red, “I but shared a few cups w ith my friends, it w as nothing.” “Then you w ill be fine and you don’t need me,” she said reasonably. “I have things to do besides take care of a grouchy old man.” “Grouchy?! Old?! I am not grouchy and everyone know s I am in my prime. Ask anyone.” By now Fiona w as laughing so hard her sides hurt. Kellach glared at her through red-rimmed eyes, and slow ly his mouth began to tw itch. “You are heartless and have no care for my ills.” “Your ills w ere caused by you and, in any event, you w ill survive. I have to leave now , I have things to do. If you survive today,” she teased, “I w ill see you later.” She turned and left the room, Conan trailing behind. He lay back dow n, suffering, but little by little, his discomfort eased. W hatever Fiona had poured dow n his throat seemed to be w orking. His head pounded less and his stomach settled. Perhaps he w ould live! Tanith entered, “You don’t look w ell, are you ill?” He grumbled, “I but shared a few drinks w ith my men.

He grumbled, “I but shared a few drinks w ith my men. W hy do you w omen need bother me w ith your questions?” Tanith grinned, “It appears more than a few w ould be better said.” “W hy are you here and w hat do you w ant?” “I came to see Fiona, but it looks like she has left already.” He nodded, “She is off on one of her gathering w alks. Do you know , did Cyrnon accompany her?” “He w atches and w hen she leaves, he catches her. Don’t w orry, he w ill w atch her.” She moved around aimlessly, picking up things and looking at nothing in particular, “W hat do you think of Fiona?” “W hy do you ask?” “Oh, no real reason, I but w ondered how she w as settling in here,” she said casually. Kellach measured his w ords. Tanith’s schemes w ere not lost on him. “She is a good housekeeper and a very good cook,” he said. “I know that, but w hat do you think of her? Do you think she is pretty?” “She is my housekeeper, I do not look at her that w ay.” “I have seen how you look at her, and you do not look at her as a housekeeper. I never saw you look at Etain the w ay you look at Fiona, not that she w ouldn’t have appreciated it had you done so.” She played w ith her bracelet, seeming uninterested. “Etain w as old! I w ould not have looked at her in that w ay.” “True, true, but Fiona is different, w hat say you?” Kellach envisioned Fiona in his mind’s eye. Yes, she w as different, beautiful, kind, soft….Tanith laughed, “She

w as different, beautiful, kind, soft….Tanith laughed, “She w ould make you a w onderful w ife, you w ould do w ell to consider that.” “Get you gone,” he charged. “I can’t think w ith all your foolishness.” Laughing, she leaned dow n, kissed him quickly and skipped out the door. Things w ere going better than she’d hoped. Her medicinal herbs w ere in short supply and a collecting w alk w as in order. She no sooner left the confines of the settlement and Cyrnon rode up. She smiled up at Cyrnon, glad to have company, “Hello, Cyrnon, escaping again?” He laughed, “Tanith saw you leave again and sent me to w atch over you.” He sobered. “You w ould do w ell to stay closer to the settlement, besides bandits, there is the threat of the huge striped cats that roam these hills.” Fiona faltered, her steps slow ing, “By huge striped cats, do you mean orange and black striped cats?” Cyrnon nodded, “They are vicious and kill for pleasure. W e have lost animals and people to their appetites.” “Oh, shit!” she muttered in English. Tigers w eren’t on her list of possible perils. Glancing fearfully around, she w as relieved to see that the hills nearby afforded little cover for such huge animals. Cyrnon w as w atching her, a slight smile creasing his face. Not w anting to let him know she w as frightened, she decided to change the subject. “W here are your partners in crime?” “I have committed no crime,” he declared, offended. “I meant, w here are the tw ins today?” “They are w ith Elochad, he has need of their help. I w ould have helped as w ell, but my first duty is to care for you,” he puffed up w ith importance.

you,” he puffed up w ith importance. “And how is Uasail today?” she questioned him. He grinned and looked aw ay, “Uasail is faster today than he w as yesterday, and by tomorrow , no one w ill be able to catch him.” “W hat about a w eek from now , w ill you and he fly?” He laughed, “Yes, to the tops of the mountains and to the moon.” Fiona rubbed Uasail’s neck. He w as a beautiful animal and his temperament w as far better than the little beast she w as forced to ride those few times w hen she actually had to. “Maybe sometime you w ill take me for a ride.” Cyrnon’s face flamed again, and his eyes popped out, “You…you belong to Kellach, I don’t think it w ould be w ise.” “I don’t belong to Kellach, I w ork for him,” she protested. “Everyone says you are Kellach’s w oman,” he countered. “How can I be Kellach’s w oman?” “I only say w hat others are saying.” “The others are w rong, I belong to me.” Cyrnon nodded and they moved companionably along in silence. It w ould be a short trip, they had started too late in the morning and the sun w as blazing dow n already. Samples w ere collected in short order and they returned to the settlement. The streets w ere devoid of people, most had retired to the relative coolness of the structures for a mid-day rest.

Chapter Eighteen It must be late July or August now , Fiona estimated. Temperatures had soared and the w inds blew almost constantly. Dust filtered into even the most secure corners of the dw elling and she spent longer hours trying to keep everything clean. Her patient load had increased and there w ere few times w hen she w as alone w ith Kellach, even though he no longer avoided her and spent more time at home. A bridge had been crossed and she w asn’t quite sure w hat changed, but something had. He never spoke of the night at the bathhouse and she made no mention of it. Little items began appearing in her corner, a small brass hand mirror, combs, jew elry items and small pieces of fine cloth. She protested his gifts but he stubbornly refused to take them back, saying they w ere part of her payment as housekeeper. He also paid her in coin. It seemed like too much, but she w asn’t sure w hat housekeepers made in this w orld and didn’t w ant to prove her ignorance by asking anyone. Patients came and w ent and Kellach did not argue w hen she set up a lean-to out back for their visits. A w ork bench appeared the next day under the lean-to along w ith a few stools and a basin for w ater. His thoughtfulness w as apparent in everything he did. Machar w as a regular visitor and Fiona w as grateful for his attention to Conan. The puppy needed a young friend and Machar w as the answ er. The benefits w ere tw ofold,

and Machar w as the answ er. The benefits w ere tw ofold, Conan had someone to play endlessly w ith him, and Machar had a friend to keep him busy and out from underfoot. Engai’s young daughter w as a frequent visitor as w ell, and w ould sit for hours w atching Fiona w ork. Her mother cautiously asked if Ceara w as being a bother and w as relieved to find she w as not. Fiona enjoyed her young company and Ceara w as learning the basics of w orking w ith herbal medicines. She might make a good assistant some day. She certainly seemed interested. On one very hot day, Fiona w as outside w orking in her small garden w hen a w oman from the village ran through the square to Tanith’s door. She appeared young and w as dressed in the costume of one of the low er class prostitutes from the far side of tow n. She w as breathless from running and Fiona w atched w ith trepidation. Tanith came out and spoke to the w oman and immediately ran across the square to Fiona. “Her sister is in labor,” nodding at the young w oman, “and she fears the w orst. She w ants your help but cannot pay.” The young w oman’s face w as lined and strained w ith w orry. She had the young-old look many of the prostitutes w ore, and she w as careful not to look directly at Fiona. Her clothing w as w orn and dirty and it had been some time since her last bath, judging by the smell. Fiona immediately pitied her, hers w as not an easy life and most of the prostitutes w ere dead by the time they w ere thirty. Fiona nodded in acceptance and immediately began gathering w hat supplies she felt she might need. She grabbed her basket and loaded it w ith her instruments and a few herbs and turned to follow the young w oman. Kellach stepped out onto the tiled w alkw ay, “W here are you going?”

are you going?” Fiona nodded to the young w oman. “Her sister is in labor and she needs my help. I have to go.” Kellach regarded her solemnly and then said, “Be careful, if you have need of me, send someone and I w ill be there.” Fiona’s lips curved, “I know ,” she said. “You didn’t need to tell me.” “Do you w ant me to accompany you now ?” he asked. “No, w e w ill be fine, and if I need you, I w ill send for you.” He reached out and touched her face, “Be careful, things are not good dow n there.” Fiona turned and started after the young w oman. Tanith yelled after them, “I’ll be along shortly, I w ill leave Machar and Conan w ith Mother.” On closer examination, the young w oman w as younger than she first appeared, probably no more than fifteen years. She w as one of a large group of mixedheritage children, having dark eyes and hair, and much lighter skin than the full Orientals. Many of these children w ere abandoned at birth because of the stigma of their blood and left to survive along the fringes of the settlement, doing w hatever they could to have food in their mouths. Anger at the indifference directed at these children flow ed through Fiona, some things w ere just not fair. They hurried along and entered an area of the settlement know n to be inhabited by felons, thieves and other low life. The girl led Fiona to a rundow n hut and entered through a ragged curtain. The interior w as dark and Fiona’s eyes fought to adjust. The squalor w as overpow ering. Smells assailed her, rancid grease, smoke,

overpow ering. Smells assailed her, rancid grease, smoke, and old perspiration. A small rickety table w ith tw o old stools and a cot appeared to be the only furnishings in the room. An ancient harridan, filthy beyond belief, leaned over a very pregnant young female, w ho lay on the cot, moaning and tw isting. The pregnant girl appeared even younger than the one that led her here, probably no more than thirteen. The harridan fought to keep Fiona from approaching the bed, muttering epithets and refusing to relinquish her control. Fiona pushed her roughly aside, anxious to see w hat damage she might have caused so far. “W hat’s her name?” Fiona asked, laying her hand on the girl’s too w arm forehead. “She my sister, her name Mei Mei,” the girl said. “My name Xio Li.” “W here are your parents?” “Mother died tw o w inters back, w e never have father.” Not surprising, it happened all the time, she had seen cases like this at the University Hospital w here she trained. The difference w as, these girls had no w here to go and no one to help them, they w ere alone. “Put some w ater on to boil and let’s some air in here,” she instructed Xio Li, w ho rushed to do her bidding. The harridan again tried to push Fiona aw ay and, not having the time to deal w ith her, Fiona shoved her out the door. “Don’t come back in here—ever,” she menaced the old w oman. “She village midw ife,” Xio Li said, “but many she care for die in childbirth. I don’t w ant my sister to die.” “I don’t w ant her to either.” Fiona opened her basket and took out some clean

Fiona opened her basket and took out some clean aprons, putting one on and handing the other to Xio Li. They scrubbed their hands thoroughly w ith an antiseptic w ash Fiona created from Golden Seal and dried their hands on clean cloths she kept for just such an emergency. Fiona quickly scrubbed dow n the table and laid a cloth over it and unw rapped the few instruments she w as able to acquire. She gave the young girl a cursory examination. The young girl’s heart w as beating too quickly and erratically and her eyes w ere glazed in pain. “How long has she been in labor?” “Since yesterday. Midw ife come but Mei Mei still not have baby.” “You let her go this long w ithout coming for me?” Fiona w as incredulous. This poor little girl, hardly more than a baby herself, had been laboring for over tw enty-four hours. It w as a w onder she still lived, the conditions here w ere terrible. “I hear you good healer. Midw ife say ‘no’ but I come for you anyw ay. You help her?” her eyes implored Fiona. Fiona set Xio Li to cleaning the hut, but mostly to keep her out of the w ay w hile she examined the girl. The baby’s head w as dow n and in position but the cervix w as only three centimeters w ide. Her contractions w ere coming hard w ith very little result. Fiona w ent through childbirth in her mind, w hat could she do to push this along. She undressed the girl, w ashed her thoroughly and put clean drapes on the bed. Everything w as as clean as she could make it. Tanith arrived shortly after and they w ent about making preparations for seeing this through. Hours passed and still the poor child labored. Fiona feared that the end w as near. So many w omen here died in childbirth, and this

w as near. So many w omen here died in childbirth, and this child w as too young by far. Tanith once told her that at least a third of the w omen died during and shortly after childbirth and the large number w as appalling. No w onder w omen here w ere a premium, so few survived daily living. Fiona sat dow n next to Xio Li. “Do you know the baby’s father?” Perhaps some help could be had from him. Xio Li nodded her head, “Darragh, he one of the guards for the w itch Voadicia, come here and take little sister many times, I not w ant him to, but he mean and hurt her.” Sick at heart, Fiona could only w onder at the misery these tw o young girls w ere forced to endure. “I try to get him to take me, but he only w ant Mei Mei. He only man Mei Mei have. I have many but he not w ant me.” Xio Li dropped her head, w ringing her hands. “We shall see if w e can change that,” Fiona said softly. “If you w ere given the chance, w ould you w ant a different life?” Xio Li’s head jerked up and her eyes w ere hopeful, “Can Mei Mei have different life, too?” “Yes,” Fiona said, suddenly realizing that she w as offering hope w hen she had no hope to give. Tanith’s sympathetic gaze found Fiona. She put her hand on Xio Li’s head, “You cleaned here very w ell and I have need of some new servants, perhaps w e can w ork something out later, w hen this is over.” Fiona smiled gratefully, she ow ed Tanith so much already. Fiona had not felt any movement from the baby for some time and, fearful that the baby had died, she made a decision. She had assisted in three C-sections w hile at the University, along w ith the normal births she attended, and the signs w ere all there, this child w ould not have a normal birth, and if she didn’t do something soon, neither Mei Mei

birth, and if she didn’t do something soon, neither Mei Mei nor the baby w ould survive. “Xio Li, w e need to talk. Your sister w ill die if I don’t help her.” Xio Li shook her head ‘yes,’ she understood the gravity of the situation. Her eyes w ere filled w ith tears and she w rung her hands repeatedly. “I w ant to try to take the baby, but you have to be very strong and help Tanith and me.” She held Xio Li’s eyes w ith her ow n. “W here I am from, w e open up a w oman’s stomach w here the baby lives and take it out. Then the baby and the w oman survive. Do you understand?” Xio Li looked puzzled, “How do you do this?” “We have to make a cut here,” she moved her finger dow n Mei Mei’s distended stomach, “and w hen it’s big enough, w e reach in and take the baby out.” “How w ill my sister live?” Xio Li asked fearfully. “Baby not important,” she cried, “Mei Mei is! Mei Mei can get another baby later.” Xio Li’s w ords w ere clear, she valued her sister above the life of the baby, and that given the choice, she w anted Mei Mei to live. Babies died all the time and it w as easy to make another. Fiona took a deep breath, could she do this? There didn’t seem to be many choices otherw ise. If she didn’t, both Mei Mei and the baby w ould die. There w as a chance Mei Mei might survive if she w ent forw ard and perhaps even the baby, although she had no w ay to check the baby’s heart rate to see if it had even survived thus far. Her hands w ere clammy and shaking. She had better settle dow n or all three of them w ere in big trouble. Tanith gripped her hands. She had w orked uncomplainingly alongside Fiona and shared the burden, but they w ere both tired and strain

shared the burden, but they w ere both tired and strain w as evident in their faces. “If w e are going to do this, w e had better start. You have done this before, right?” Tanith asked. “I’ve never actually done it by myself, I’ve just helped, but I know w hat needs to be done.” “Then let’s proceed, her time is short if w e do not.” Fiona agreed. Mei Mei’s face w as ashen and her lips w ere tinged w ith blue. Fiona smoothed the hair from Mei Mei’s face and said a quick prayer in English, “Please God, give me the strength to do what has to be done and guide my hands. Amen .” “W hat say you?” Tanith asked. “I’m asking my God to guide me and give me strength.” Fiona looked around the room, not exactly the best operating conditions but it w ould have to do. She handed out lengths of cloth and instructed Tanith and Xio Li to tie a length around their hair and then cover their low er faces. She did the same. She looked at her tw o cohorts; they returned her looks bravely and moved tow ards Mei Mei. Fiona took a few calming breaths. She sw abbed Mei Mei’s stomach w ith more of the antiseptic w ash w hile mentally preparing herself. A small sample of the opium she obtained from the yellow healer w as administered to Mei Mei. She instructed Xio Li to w atch Mei Mei’s breathing closely and to tell her if it changed and to hold Mei Mei’s arms dow n. Xio Li nodded. Tanith w as to hold Mei Mei’s legs and hand Fiona instruments as she needed them. Mei Mei’s movements quieted and she dropped into a deep sleep. It w as time. Fiona took a sharp knife and very carefully began her first cut. Mei Mei thrashed around, groaning in her sleep. The tw o w omen tightened their hold on her

her sleep. The tw o w omen tightened their hold on her arms and legs, holding her quiet. The incision w idened and blood began flow ing. Tanith grabbed a cloth and w iped it aw ay as best she could. Fiona w orked her w ay dow n through the layers of tissue until she reached the w omb. If she cut too deep, she might accidentally injure the baby and she didn’t w ant to have to deal w ith that as w ell. Fiona glanced quickly at Xio Li and Tanith. Their eyes w ere enormous and anxious. The final cut w as made and Fiona reached into the w omb. She w orked the baby around until she w as able to pull the baby up through the incision and lifted the baby out. It w as a tiny girl! She experienced a moment of panic w hen she realized the umbilical cord w as w rapped around the baby’s neck and her little face w as blue. Fiona cut the cord quickly, cleaned the baby’s mouth, and began CPR. The baby didn’t move. She tried again and breathed for the baby, still nothing. No movements, no little cry, nothing. This couldn’t be happening. A huge lump formed in her chest and tears formed behind her eyes. Tanith and Xio stood tensely, w aiting to see w hat she w ould do next. She turned the baby over, slapped it a couple of times on its little back and tried again. CPR, breathing, CPR, breathing. The tiny baby gagged, choked and a loud w ail issued from her little mouth. Xio Li and Tanith began cheering and laughing. Huge tears rolled dow n Fiona’s face and, in betw een laughing and crying, she handed the new baby to Tanith, w ho w rapped her in a w arm cloth. She quickly finished up and sew ed the incision closed. Mei Mei had quieted, but a quick check confirmed that her breathing w as steady and her heart rate, though fast, appeared regular. She w ashed the incision again w ith antiseptic, covered

She w ashed the incision again w ith antiseptic, covered it w ith an antibacterial poultice made from oregano oil, and w rapped the w hole area w ith clean cloths. Now all they could do w ould be to w ait to see how Mei Mei fared. Fiona took the baby from Tanith and checked her over thoroughly, making sure the cord w as w ell tied off and w rapped her back up. She w as so very tiny, probably less than five pounds, but her color w as improving w ith each passing moment. Her little face w as scrunched up and one small fist made it to her mouth, w here she sucked noisily. Black hair sprang straight up from her little head, giving her the appearance of a baby orangutan. Xio Li leaned over the baby, “She ugly baby, not pretty like Mei Mei as baby.” Fiona laughed, “They all look pretty much the same w hen they are first born, give her a few days and she w ill be beautiful.” Xio Li’s face clouded, “How w e take care of her? No money for food.” Tanith and Fiona looked at each other. This baby w ould not survive in these conditions and Fiona w anted more for her. The baby had become very important to her in a very short time. “Don’t w orry about that,” she told Xio Li, “she w ill be w ell taken care of.” How they w ould accomplish that w as still to be seen, but it w as something Fiona vow ed w ould happen. Mei Mei began w himpering and crying and Fiona moved to examine her. Her eyes opened and she cried out in pain. Tanith brew ed a soothing tea of w illow bark and they forced her to drink it. Fiona considered the girl before her. W here Xio Li w as tall and sturdily built like her Caucasian ancestors, Mei Mei w as small and slight. Now that her coloring had improved, Fiona could see that she w as a beauty, her little face perfectly formed. One such as she

beauty, her little face perfectly formed. One such as she probably had no defenses in a w orld w here men took w hat they w anted. Her resolve strengthened, Xio Li, Mei Mei and the new baby w ere going to have a better life. She w ould find a w ay to make this happen. Tanith stood and stretched. It had been a long day and it w as getting tow ards night. “W hy don’t you go home now to your family, I’ll stay and care for these tw o,” Fiona said. This w as not a part of the settlement w here Tanith w ould feel comfortable leaving Fiona alone; life here w as cheap and easily lost. “I’ll stay w ith you, Siran can handle things for aw hile longer. You shouldn’t be here alone.” “No, you go home. You need to spend time w ith your family. I’ll be fine. Xio Li is here and she can help.” Xio Li nodded in agreement. “There’s nothing w e can do now but w ait. You go.” Tanith hesitated, she didn’t feel right deserting Fiona, but Fiona w as steadfast in her decision. Tanith gathered her things and turned to head out the door. All three gasped as a man stepped in. “I’ve come to help,” Kellach said. “W hat can I do?” His eyes roamed around the tiny room, missing nothing. “You should not be here alone, w hy did you not have someone fetch me? I have been w orried.” W hatever reason prompted him to come dow n here, Fiona w as grateful. She had not relished the idea of being dow n here w ith only Xio Li to aid her. “Gather your things,” he said, “w e are going home.” Fiona objected, “I can’t leave them alone, they need me!” “Gather your things,” he said again. He w alked over to Mei Mei and stared dow n at her. She opened her eyes and solemnly gazed back. Her w eakness and frailty moved him

solemnly gazed back. Her w eakness and frailty moved him greatly and, covering her w ith the bed linens, he lifted her gently from the bed. “Get the baby,” he instructed Fiona, “and all of you come w ith me.” They rushed around, doing as he instructed, and soon they w ere all headed back to Kellach’s abode. Night w as fast approaching and he moved quickly through the sw iftly darkening streets. W hen Fiona w ould have entered his home, he shook his head “no” and w ent another direction. A smaller hut w as situated behind Kellach’s dw elling and it w as to this place he w ent. They entered and, although small, it w as clean and in good repair. He laid Mei Mei dow n on the bed and w ent about making a small fire. Would he ever stop amazing her? Fiona questioned mentally. He alw ays seemed to know exactly w hat to do. She ran to the big house and brought back blankets and a small supply of food and helped Xio Li to start a meal. Mei Mei w as exhausted by the trip and immediately drifted off to sleep. Kellach stepped out and in a short time, came back w ith a big reed basket covered w ith a w arm blanket; a perfect cradle for the little one. The baby w as fussing and sucking harder at her little fist and it w as readily apparent that she w as very hungry. Tanith ran home and returned shortly w ith a supply of w arm goat’s milk. They dipped a rag into it and rubbed it against the baby’s mouth until she began greedily sucking on it. Peace finally invaded the small group. As everything w as in order, Tanith left to join her family. Kellach w atched Fiona w ith the baby. She w as a natural and he felt himself w ishing the child w ere theirs. The firelight flickered lightly on her face as she encouraged the baby to suck. He should leave, he thought, but could not bring himself to do so, and enjoyed the quietude of the moment. Finally, the baby w as satisfied and Fiona laid

the moment. Finally, the baby w as satisfied and Fiona laid her dow n in the basket. She moved to Mei Mei, and after checking to see that she w as resting comfortably, she turned to him. “You need to rest,” she said. “W hat about you? This day has been too long.” She w as drooping w ith fatigue, “I’m fine, I just need to sit dow n and put my feet up.” “Cannot she,” Kellach said, pointing to Xio Li, “w atch for aw hile?” “I know how to care for baby and can w atch Mei Mei, I not tired!” Xio Li agreeably exclaimed. Fiona considered. She w as so tired and Mei Mei did seem stronger, perhaps for just a little w hile. She relented. “You come for me if anything changes,” she told Xiu Li firmly. Satisfied that everything w as in order, she retired for the evening. W hen Fiona aw oke the next morning, the sun w as high up. The room w as quiet and she w as alone. She jumped out of bed, grabbed a robe and ran dow n to the small hut. Engai sat near the fire holding the baby and feeding her milk. Mei Mei w as resting quietly and seemed greatly improved. “I heard w hat happened and I thought you might need help,” Engai said as she rocked the baby. “It has been too long since I held a little one,” she admitted. “Thank you for coming over, it w as a hard day and night for Tanith and me. The rest did me good. W here is Xiu Li?” “I sent her to the bathhouse, my nose said she needed it,” Engai laughed. “She has been telling me their story.” Her eyes shadow ed. “I w ill help as I can as w ell.” Ceara rushed in. “Can I hold the baby, Mama?” Engai looked questioningly at Fiona. “You can if you sit

Engai looked questioningly at Fiona. “You can if you sit dow n and stay dow n w hile you hold her—no moving around,” she said. Ceara grabbed a little stool and plunked dow n, holding out her arms. Engai gently laid the baby in Ceara’s arms and, like all little mothers before her, Ceara rocked the baby and cooed to her little face. She crooned a w ordless lullaby to the baby, gleamed from some long forgotten memory, no doubt. “W hat is the baby’s name?” inquired Engai. From the bed, Mei Mei spoke, “Her name w ill be Fiona.” They turned to her and she smiled, “For you, w oman of Kellach.” She clumsily tried to sit up, but a spasm of pain left her gasping. Fiona moved quickly to her side, and helped her to a sitting position. “Thank you,” she said, “w e ow e you much.” “No, you don’t. You needed the help. I could do nothing else.” “W e w ill repay you, somehow ,” Mei Mei said. “I know you w ill,” Fiona soothed. “You need to get w ell first, though.” Assured that Engai and Ceara w ould stay w ith Mei Mei and the baby for aw hile, Fiona returned to the big house and hurriedly grabbed her bathing things and headed to the bathhouse as w ell. Life w as good this day! Xio Li, Mei Mei and baby Fi, as everyone called her, settled into the small hut and life w as good for them. Xio Li show ed promise of being an excellent gardener and Fiona w as happy to leave that job to her. Early every day, after making sure that Mei Mei and the baby w ere fed and made comfortable, she show ed up at the big house ready to w ork. She loved her daily trips to the bathhouse and, as a result, her hygiene w as greatly improved. The little hut w as

result, her hygiene w as greatly improved. The little hut w as kept spotless by Mei Mei and the baby thrived in the new surroundings. Mei Mei show ed an aptitude for cooking and cleaning and Fiona envisioned her as a housekeeper some day. The little family had found a niche and they w ere happy.

Chapter Nineteen Tempers w ere short in the Council chambers. Among other things, nomadic raiders had been sighted moving south and w ould soon be at their very doors. Livestock had been disappearing on a regular basis and it w as unknow n if they w ere being stolen or if w ild animals w ere preying heavily on the herds. Discussions surfaced and arguments ensued. Kellach w atched and listened. An elder man, Rodan stepped forw ard. He w as high on the hierarchy of the Council, having served for many years, and his dignity, w isdom and know ledge w ere w ell respected. The room slow ly calmed. “Patrols must be increased and more guards assigned to the perimeters of the settlement.” Heads nodded in agreement. Rodan continued, “Training w ill be increased, and new recruits must be found. We lost many to the raiders last year and w e are ill-prepared, too many have left for other pursuits.” Again, concurrence spread round the room. “A new group of w arriors is needed.” “W ho w ill lead this new group?” a voice asked. Heads turned and Kellach found himself the center of attention; not to his liking. “I have just returned and there are others w ho w ould be better prepared than I. I do not seek to lead,” he said, “I have held the reins of leadership too long, I but w ant to follow .”

follow .” Siran lightly scoffed, “You w ould never ‘follow ’ anyone, Kellach.” Laughter spread through the room. All knew Kellach too w ell. Kellach grinned at Siran’s teasing. “You w ould do w ell to follow me, I at least can find my ow n head should the need arise.” “You have been speaking w ith Tanith again,” Siran laughed. “I know her voice too w ell.” Rodan cleared his throat and the crow d quieted, “I have no objection to Kellach taking charge of this new army. Do all agree?” Few disagreed and those w ho did w ere held in low esteem by the rest. They w ere follow ers of Voadicia and her minions. Word had it that Voadicia w as secretly offering human sacrifices to the Gods but proof had yet to be established. She sought to bring back the old w ays and to ensure her position as head priestess. Investigations into her practices had been light thus far, as the suspected sacrifices w ere criminals and felons and their loss affected none. It w as even w hispered that she did a favor to all and w as a convenient w ay to dispose of such. Kellach did not agree but until he had proof that such w as the case, he w ould hold his tongue. “Then it is decided, Kellach w ill head this new army. Everyone w ill w ork together to see that this is accomplished as fast as possible.” Kellach stood. “I w ill need men to assist me; men w ho I can trust and w ho are w illing to w ork together. If you can meet my requirements, I w ill w elcome you.” Several men stepped forw ard, Siran among them. “I knew I could count on you, old friend,” Kellach said and slapped him on the back. Of the others that stepped forw ard, only one w as

Of the others that stepped forw ard, only one w as unknow n to Kellach. He introduced himself as Sealgair. There w as a familiarity about him that gave Kellach pause, but he appeared competent and eager to assist. He w ould bear w atching and if he proved adept, he w ould be embraced into the group. The Council chambers emptied and all left to go to their individual pursuits. Kellach and Siran w alked along the street, the heat of the day pounding dow n on them, keeping most inside. “It seems your little family is grow ing,” Siran commented. “W hat do you mean?” “I mean tw o young girls and a new baby have joined your household.” “They have not joined my household, I am taking care of them until they are able to fend for themselves,” Kellach protested. “It is the same.” “It’s not the same, I but took the responsibility to get Fiona to come home.” “Ah, yes, Fiona! She has become important to you, has she not?” “She is important to my household, she keeps things orderly. I am pleased by her efficiency.” “You do not fool me, old friend , she is more than that to you.” Kellach’s face grew w arm, “Is it so apparent?” “To me perhaps. To her, not so much I think.” Kellach w as relieved. He didn’t w ant Fiona to get the impression he w as languishing for her. She did not seem to appreciate his company, in any event, and the last thing he w anted her to feel w as that he w as harboring an interest in her. He w as, but she needn’t be aw are of it. It w ould

her. He w as, but she needn’t be aw are of it. It w ould complicate matters. She continually made it clear that she w anted to return home, w herever that w as, and soon if at all possible. Such a thought caused his throat to constrict. How w ould he deal w ith the loss of her? So far, he had managed to evade her repeated requests to assist her in leaving, but he w as not deceived that someday she w ould find others to help her. He knew about her secret hoard of money and knew its purpose. “I am not unaw are of Tanith’s schemes. I know of no other household w ith a servant having Fiona’s beauty. She haunts my dreams.” Siran nodded in sympathy, “Tanith w ould make Fiona your w ife, but that w ould not be a bad thing, do you think?” They strolled companionably along, each in their ow n thoughts. Machar burst out of the house and ran to them, Conan at his heels. “I saw you coming,” he panted, “and Conan and I thought w e should greet you.” Siran chuckled and lifted him onto his shoulders. Conan jumped and nipped and it w as a jovial group that came up the road. Fiona and Tanith w ere outside sitting in the shade of Kellach’s home and w atched the little group approach. The men w ere such a handsome sight that both sighed in unison. Tanith laughed, “W e act like the very young!” “W hy is that?” She knew w hat Tanith meant, but w as not w illing to admit it. “A handsome man w alks by and w e see nothing but him.” “Two handsome men!” Fiona laughed, “And both w ith a full set of teeth.” Choking w ith laughter, Tanith managed to say, “You put overmuch w eight on the inside of a mouth.”

put overmuch w eight on the inside of a mouth.” “Well, w here I come from, it is a pretty important commodity. I have never seen so many bad or missing teeth than I have since I’ve been here.” Tanith sobered, “Tell me about your home, w here do you come from?” Fiona mulled over Tanith’s request, “It w ill be hard to explain to you, but I’ll try. My home is in a land far, far aw ay,” sounds like the beginning of Star Wars , she thought. “We couldn’t travel over land to get there. We w ould have to cross a great sea.” Tanith interjected, “I have heard there is a great sea to the east of the land of the yellow s. Is this the sea?” “Yes, that’s the one. Anyw ay, it’s a huge land and lots of people live there. We don’t ride horses very much, w e use other means of travel.” “W hat other means is there?” “Well, you w ill think I am crazy, but w e actually fly through the air.” Tanith snorted, amused, “Do you think I am so foolish that I w ould believe such a thing? Only birds fly.” “I knew you w ould find it hard to believe, but things are very different there. People drive cars or ride in buses. No one w alks unless they have to. Everything is very fast, not like here. I could not even begin to really make you understand.” Tanith rested her chin on her hand, “I should like to see such a place.” “I w ould, too, but unless some miracle happens, I think I’m stuck here. I have this idea if I could just get back to w here I w as found, perhaps I can find my w ay home.” “There is nothing w here you w ere found. I w as there.”

there.” “Tell me w hat happened,” perhaps there w ould be a clue to follow . “Kellach said he first found a place w here you had been laying, blood spots w ere all over there, but nothing else. It w as as if you dropped out of the sky. He found sign all that day and the next morning. Maybe you flew here!” Tanith exclaimed excitedly. “No, I w as not flying before I came here, at least I don’t think I w as.” “Anyw ay, Kellach thought it w as perhaps a child, the prints w ere so small and he thought you w ere not very smart.” “W hy w ould he think that?” “Your tracks w ere all over, never in a straight line, and no effort w as made to cover your footprints. Anyone could have follow ed you.” “Well, I had no reason to believe I needed to hide them. In fact, I w as doing everything I could to be found! Go on.” “And then the next day, w e spotted you in the distance and w hen w e got to you, w e thought you w ere an ugly old w oman,” Tanith’s eyes tw inkled. Fiona imagined the scene in her mind. She remembered bits and pieces, but a lot of her memories of that day w ere clouded. “Did you see anything, any sort of building, or anything like that around.” “No, nothing. As I said, it w as if you had dropped from the sky. There w as nothing and no one around but you.” Fiona sighed heavily. Maybe if she could at least get to the spot they first found her, she might recognize something. It w as her only hope. Nothing else sounded even remotely logical. She w as going to drive herself crazy

even remotely logical. She w as going to drive herself crazy trying to figure this out. Conan jumped up and licked her face. Their brief respite w as over, it w as time to start dinner. Kellach stood in front of her and regarded her thoughtfully. He seemed to do a lot of that lately. She had the feeling he w anted to say something, but never quite got around to it. Probably one of those guy things that she w as never good at figuring out. He looked very handsome today. His hair w as pulled back and held w ith a leather thong, and the blue tunic he w as w earing w as one of her favorites. A gold torque surrounded his neck and gold armbands w ere at his w rists. The bird of prey tattooed on his face still startled her at times, but given that tattoos w ere so commonplace, she w as probably the only adult in this place w ithout one. Even little Ceara sported a few lines on her chin. She w ondered how she w ould look w ith just a small one. She brushed a hand through her hair. She probably looked a mess and he w as noticing that. “How fared you today?” he asked. “We have been w ell,” nervously she brushed at her clothing, “busy as alw ays.” He still stood there and did not appear in a big hurry to move aw ay. “Do you need something?” she asked. “There are many things I require, but none that you w ould be w illing to give.” Fiona choked and her mouth dropped open. W hat kind of a response w as that? Her eyes flew to his face. His eyes w ere smoldering w ith intensity and a slight smile moved his lips. He w as w aiting for a response, but she didn’t seem to have an intelligent one. Siran w as openly laughing. Big help he w as. “If you w ere anyone other than my brother, I w ould

“If you w ere anyone other than my brother, I w ould think you w ere courting Fiona,” Tanith interjected. This w hole conversation had taken a turn for the w orse. Fiona’s face flamed, but Kellach seemed undisturbed by Tanith’s nonsense. “And if I w ere,” he said, “w ould that please you?” His eyes never w avered from her face. “Since you aren’t and it w on’t happen, I am not going to answ er.” Fiona stood; time to make her escape before she made a fool of herself. They w ere banding against her and she couldn’t hold her ow n against all three of them. Striving for a measure of dignity, she turned to enter the house, certain that the conversation w as over. She w as startled to find Kellach had entered and w as standing behind her. “You didn’t answ er me, w ould you find my attention distasteful?” Fiona fidgeted w ith her hair, her thoughts in turmoil. W hat w as she supposed to say? “I don’t know w hat you w ant me to say or do,” her voice revealed her confusion, “I don’t know w hat you mean by ‘attention’.” He reached out and cupped her face, and slow ly leaned dow n until mere inches separated their mouths. She w as rooted to the spot, unable to move. Time seemed to stand still. He nibbled softly at her lips, tempting her to open to him. “Yield to me,” he breathed as he w rapped her in his arms. Liquid heat raced through her as his lips settled firmly on her ow n. All those lonely nights listening to him moving around in his sleep and w anting to go to him culminated in this moment. The need to be close to him blotted out all other thoughts and her arms moved to circle him and draw him even closer. She returned the kiss, her mouth opening to

even closer. She returned the kiss, her mouth opening to w elcome him, their tongues dancing. Her mind reeled, never had she felt so alive and on fire. His kiss deepened and she w as lost. A small moan escaped her lips and he pushed the attack. Sensations moved dow n, her breasts ached for his touch and dampness w et the insides of her thighs. Reason deserted her and only her need for him remained. Hot hands lifted her skirt and moved sensuously up her thighs moving to rub deliciously at her core. On finger slid inside and kept the rhythm of his tongue, her tension increasing w ith every thrust. He captured a nipple w ith his mouth, the nipple peaking as he suckled. Of their ow n volition, her hands moved to the bulge at the front of his trousers. She gasped at the size of him. He pressed into her hands and she frantically w orked at his belt, eagerly anticipating the feel of his bare skin. Like a splash of cold w ater, Cyrnon’s voice brought her back to reality. “Kellach, a great storm is gathering and Elochad sent me to fetch you. The herds need to be penned or w e w ill lose them,” he gasped as he burst through the door. Dodging for cover, Fiona hastily straightened her clothing, embarrassment flooding her face. Cursing softly, Kellach turned to confront Cyrnon, covering her movements w ith his body. “How many herdsmen are in attendance,” he questioned, his voice ragged. “Besides Elochad, there are four others,” Cyrnon replied. “Hurry back and tell Elochad I w ill be there shortly.” Cyrnon ran out as fast as he came in, his footsteps pounding in the distance. Kellach turned back to her, his eyes reflecting his

Kellach turned back to her, his eyes reflecting his regret, “We never seem to finish w hat w e start,” he said carefully. “I w ould not leave if it w ere not so important.” He leaned over and kissed her soundly, “I w ill return late, w ill you be here?” Her face flaming, Fiona w as rendered speechless and could only nod. Amazingly, Kellach seemed pleased by her assent, and added another kiss before hurrying out. She heard his voice calling Siran and, by the time she reached the door, they w ere gone. “Oh, Lord,” she thought, “w hat have I done?” She knew that he meant more than just being here w hen he returned. He certainly w ouldn’t be expecting just dinner. Tanith w andered in, flashing a know ing smile at Fiona’s disarray, “I tried to stop Cyrnon, but he is faster than I.” “It’s probably best that he did interrupt.” “W hat do you mean?” “I mean things could have gotten out of hand and I have no use for a relationship right now . I w on’t be here that long.” Disappointment shadow ed Tanith’s face. “Kellach w ould be a good husband for you and I w ould w elcome you as a sister. He is w ealthy and generous w ith his gifts. You could do no better.” “I know that more than you realize,” Fiona replied, “but it’s unfair to let him think otherw ise. I have to leave here, and it w ould be harder on him if I allow ed things to go farther than they already have. Do you understand?” “I understand that Kellach cares for you w hether or not you return his feelings, and he w ill be deeply hurt by your leaving.” “Please don’t say that,” Fiona pleaded. “I have to leave, this isn’t w here I belong, and I have family at home

leave, this isn’t w here I belong, and I have family at home and they need me.” “I know this to be true,” Tanith said sadly, “but w hat if you can never return home? You w ould need a home here and Kellach w ould offer—I know he w ould! He has never show n real interest in anyone before and now that he has, I can only hope that you return his feelings.” Sadness engulfed Fiona, it w as a difficult situation at best. Part of her very much w anted to join w ith Kellach, but the other part yearned for her family and her real life. She had to at least try to get home. How could she forgive herself and accept if she didn’t at least try. “I think you put too much hope on w hat Kellach feels for me.” “Siran said Kellach has spoken to him about you, but he w on’t say exactly w hat.” “I suspect it’s because he know s you w ould run straight to me w ith the tale,” Fiona smiled, “your schemes do not go unnoticed.” Grinning, Tanith objected, “I do not tell tales, I only give important information to those w ho need to know . Oh, before I forget! Machar asked me to see if you w ould let Conan stay w ith him tonight?” After considering for a few moments, she agreed, “If you can get him to stay. I suspect that at bed time, he w ill be ready to come home, and he still has his accidents so Machar needs to be sure to let him out.” She felt a little nervous about being alone, especially w ith Kellach being gone as w ell, but she w as not a baby and being alone w ouldn’t hurt her once in aw hile.

Chapter Tw enty The changes in the w eather occurred so abruptly that Tanith became concerned. She hurried out to gather up Machar and Conan and dashed across the square to her dw elling. The storm w as really picking up outside and dust w as blow ing everyw here. Dark clouds raced across the sky, lightening flashed and thunder roared, causing even the ground to shake. Fiona made a quick trip to check on Xio Li, Mei Mei and the baby and, after assuring herself that they w ere w ell, she hurried back. She stepped into the room and tried to shut the door. By now , the w ind w as blow ing so hard, it almost tore the door out of her hands. After several attempts, she finally got it closed and, relieved, she leaned against it for a few moments. She glanced around. The room seemed empty now , and though she knew it w as silly, she w ished Kellach w ere here w ith her. The storm outside w as frightening in its intensity and she prayed the structure w ould survive the onslaught, though it appeared sturdy. To distract herself, she w ent about fixing a small dinner and, after cleaning up, took out some clothing to repair. She stitched quietly for some time, listening to the storm. Later, she paced. The tempest continued w ell into the night and, though she w aited up, Kellach did not return. She readied herself for bed and still she w aited. Time moved slow ly and

herself for bed and still she w aited. Time moved slow ly and concern for Kellach w as uppermost on her mind. He should have returned by now . She w ished she had someone to talk to, or better yet, a TV. She really missed w atching movies and eating popcorn w hen she had the time, and she certainly had time now , but unfortunately no TV, and even if she did have one, no electricity. To make time pass faster, she w ent through all the things about her past life she really missed, but only ended up making herself more anxious and depressed as w ell. Okay, time to change the list, she w ent through all the things about this life that w ere important. Kellach’s face immediately came to mind. She didn’t w ant him at the top of the list, but there he w as. She had to accept that. Next came Tanith, Siran, Machar and Conan grouped together, follow ed closely by Xio Li, Mei Mei and Baby Fi, then on dow n the line. She had certainly formed a lot of close relationships in the short time she had been here; four months now , or w as it five? Somew here she had lost count, even though it hardly seemed to matter. It w as still late summer, but w hether it w as late August or even into September, she really w asn’t sure. Life here w asn’t based on daily activities, but mostly by the changing of the seasons. Though anxious, she nonetheless w as grow ing very tired. She tried sitting near the fire pit and staring at the flames, but it had been a long night and she had w orked hard for most of the day. Her mind began drifting and her eyes kept closing. Yaw ning, she got up and w alked over to Kellach’s bed. It seemed a long time since she had last straightened it up. His drape lay across the bed and she picked it up and held it to her face. His smell drifted up and longing seized her. Feeling foolish but comforted, she

longing seized her. Feeling foolish but comforted, she w rapped the drape around her and sat on the edge of his bed. W hat w ould it be like to truly share that bed w ith him, and w hat w ould she be giving up to do so? She snorted, these w ere ridiculous thoughts since it w as not going to happen. Feeling drow sier by the minute, she finally dozed off, nestled in his bed. Morning came and still Kellach had not returned. The storm had lessened somew hat but the w ind w as still gusting strongly. Fiona checked on her charges and then ran across the square to Tanith’s house. Conan w as overjoyed to see her and refused to let her out of his sight. Siran had not returned the previous night as w ell and Tanith’s face w as tight w ith concern. “They probably bedded dow n in the stables near the animals,” she advised Fiona, “and until this w ind dies dow n, they best stay w ith the herds. We cannot afford to lose any, they are our livelihood.” Her face clouded, “The w inds come late this year, I fear it is a bad omen.” “It’s just the w ind, nothing more,” Fiona replied, hoping to ease Tanith’s fear. “Storms happen all the time, it’s part of nature.” Both of them w ere nervous and, deciding some lighter conversation w as w arranted, Fiona decided it w as a good time to discuss less important matters and perhaps even garner a little more personal information about Kellach; if she could do so w ithout appearing too interested. Tanith brew ed some tea and they sat around the table. Conan immediately jumped into her lap, licking her face furiously. After a few minutes of his undivided attention, she managed to calm him and he jumped dow n to run to Machar. “Tanith, you’ve never said, but exactly how old are

“Tanith, you’ve never said, but exactly how old are you?” Tanith looked confused, “I am as old as I need to be.” “I know that, but how many, um, how many summers have you lived?” Considering her question, Tanith replied, “I have been here this many,” she moved her fingers, “since my birth.” Fiona counted, “You are only nineteen ?” she exclaimed. “I’m older than you! W hy, that means you w ere probably only fourteen w hen you got married and fifteen w hen you had Machar!” Tanith nodded, “I w as older than most w hen I w ed Siran. He w as traveling w hen I became a w oman, so I had to w ait for his return. How many summers have you seen?” Tanith asked. Draw ing lines on the table as Tanith had done, Fiona counted off tw enty-tw o and Tanith gasped, “You are very old not to be w ed and you are almost passed your childbearing years!” Feeling as if every part of her body had suddenly sagged, Fiona grumbled, “Thanks a lot, I feel better already. I still have a few good childbearing years left to me!” Tanith looked sheepish, “I did not mean to offend you! It w as unkind of me to make mention of your advanced age.” “W here I come from, I am still very young and childbearing lasts quite a w hile longer than my years now . It is not a problem, it is considered smart.” “Well, the sooner you w ed here, the better. You are not getting any younger. Does Kellach know the age you have reached?” “W ould it matter if he knew ?”

“W ould it matter if he knew ?” Tanith considered, “I do not think so, he is not a young man himself.” From her point of view , Kellach w as at the perfect age, not too young and not old by any standard. “How old is Kellach?” “He has seen eleven more w inters than I.” “So that makes him, w hat tw enty-nine or thirty?” “Tw enty-nine, he w ill be thirty this w inter.” Hmmm, thirty, a good age, Fiona’s mind tumbled the information around. “Do you have any other brothers or sisters?” “There w ere other children born to my parents, but none other than Kellach and I survived childhood.” “How sad, how many others w ere there?” “Tw o boys and one girl. The girl survived the longest, but she died before she reached tw o summers.” From conversations w ith other w omen in the settlement, infant mortality appeared to be a big problem. Diseases, w hich in the modern w orld had been eradicated or treated only as minor inconveniences, killed many young children every year. It w as extremely unusual if every child in a single family survived to adulthood. Such w as generally not the case. This certainly w asn’t the direction Fiona w anted the conversation to go, she w as trying to lighten their mood and this w as definitely not the w ay, especially considering the miscarriage Tanith suffered previously and her current pregnancy. “W hat talents, other than making my life miserable, does Kellach have?” Tea spew ed from Tanith’s mouth, and her mouth curved into a w ide smile, “Kellach can be overbearing at

curved into a w ide smile, “Kellach can be overbearing at times, but he means w ell. He is as good as any Bard and is very talented on the Ruan .” “Ruan , w hat is a Ruan. ” “It is an instrument w hich is plucked thus,” as Tanith made a movement as though she w as playing a guitar or something similar. “W hat do you mean he is a ‘Bard.’” “He sings as w ell. Has he not played or sang for you?” “No, maybe he is too shy.” Tanith laughed, “Shy is not a w ord I w ould put to Kellach.” So Kellach w as a musician as w ell as a Warrior Lord, and added to the fact that he w as the best looking man she had ever had occasion to be w ith, he w as definitely looking very good, not that he didn’t look good before, but this certainly upped his appeal. Truthfully, none of those things w ere overly important to her, but they certainly didn’t hurt. The w ay he made her feel just by looking at her w as the major plus on her grading chart. “You asked a lot of questions about a man you say you have no feelings for,” Tanith smugly observed. Fiona decided it w as time to leave. She hooked Conan’s leash on and ran home through the w ind. **** Kellach w iped the dust from his eyes and kept searching. Sometime in the night, Cyrnon, along w ith a handful of sheep, had disappeared. He as w ell as Elochad and a large number of the older, more experienced herders, had been hunting for hours and he grew more w orried w ith each passing moment. Elochad’s sons had been left w ith the main flock of sheep and ordered to stay put, they did not need to lose others. He focused on the

put, they did not need to lose others. He focused on the fact that Cyrnon w as know ledgeable as to the lay of the land, but his youth oftentimes w as a hindrance on his ability to make w ise choices. He suspected that Cyrnon had follow ed the sheep, attempting to move them closer to the herd and, as a result, had lost his direction. Kellach hoped he had chosen w isely and found a suitable burrow to w eather the storm. Loss of the sheep w as nothing compared to the loss of Cyrnon. Sheep could be replaced. He stopped periodically and shouted but the w ind caught his voice and muffled the sound. The dust and sand rasped his throat and it w ould not be long before he w ould be unable to shout at all. Unless Cyrnon w as very near, he w ould not hear Kellach. Time became the enemy. He w ouldn’t give up, though, until Cyrnon w as found. The w ind had w iped aw ay any possible chance to track him and he w as relying on pure luck. The w ind appeared to be dying dow n and visibility w as somew hat better. By now , Kellach had reached the foothills and w as searching along a small ravine. His eyes picked up a small movement in the bottom and on closer perusal, he could see the outline of a form. The w ind had caught a portion of clothing and it w as fluttering in the w ind. Sure it w as Cyrnon, he began the slow climb dow n the side, his heart in his mouth. Footholds w ere hard to find and the force of the w ind, though somew hat calmer here, prevented a quick descent. Cyrnon had not moved and Kellach w as prepared for the w orst.

Chapter Tw enty-One The door burst open and Kellach charged in, an unconscious Cyrnon hanging limply from his arms. Fiona raced to the table, brushed everything off in one sw oop and directed Kellach to lay Cyrnon dow n. Too pale by far, Cyrnon lay as if dead. “He is badly hurt,” Kellach’s voice grated, dread w ritten all over his face, “I found him thus. He is still breathing but only just.” “Get w ater boiling and bring me my things.” Fiona grabbed a small knife and quickly cut aw ay Cyrnon’s clothing. “How did this happen?” “He w as lost in the storm and I finally found him a short w hile ago. He had fallen dow n a steep incline. W ill he live?” “Give me time,” she replied, her attention focused entirely on the boy. Cyrnon’s breathing w as very shallow , almost nonexistent, and his pulse rate w as erratic. She gently probed the w orst injuries first. A long gash ran dow n the calf of his right leg. Blood oozed from the w ound but it appeared to be clotting w ell. Cyrnon’s left w rist w as discolored and sw ollen, but from her examination, seemed to be just a bad sprain. Numerous cuts and abrasions covered a large part of his body, but none w ere lifethreatening. She slow ly w orked her w ay over his entire

threatening. She slow ly w orked her w ay over his entire body, examining everything carefully and thoroughly. Her biggest concern w as a large lump on the back of his head w hich probably resulted from the fall, and w as most likely the reason for Cyrnon’s unconscious state. W ithout the benefit of x-rays, she couldn’t be sure to w hat extent, if any, his internal injuries might be. Kellach filled a bow l w ith boiled w ater and brought her medical basket. She proceeded to w ash each w ound w ith a natural antibacterial w ash she had concocted from oregano oil and also applied an antiseptic ointment made from the same. There w as alw ays the fear of infection and gangrene often resulted as w ell as the risk of contracting tetanus. Cyrnon moaned a few times during this procedure but otherw ise did not move. After she had carefully cleaned and bandaged each w ound, she w ashed Cyrnon thoroughly and covered him w ith a clean drape. Worried about the possibility of dehydration, she dripped w ater into his mouth and forced him to sw allow . Throughout the entire process, Kellach w orked quietly beside her, lending aid w henever possible. “W here did you say you found him?” “At the bottom of a ravine. The w ind w as blow ing hard and the ability to see w as sorely obstructed by the sand. He must have fallen w hile trying to gather the sheep.” Anger surfaced and Fiona lashed out at him, “W hy did you let him go alone? Do your silly sheep mean so much that you w ould risk his life?” Kellach w as affronted. He w ould not have let anyone go alone in that storm. “He left w ithout any of us being aw are that he w as gone until too late. The younger ones w ere told to stay and guard the flocks w hile the older

w ere told to stay and guard the flocks w hile the older herders gathered w hat animals w e could find. We w ere all fighting to save the flocks and I did not see him go, else I w ould have stopped him! It w asn’t until this morning that w e realized he had gone!” Ashamed by her outburst, Fiona chanced a look at Kellach. Weariness and w orry had etched his face w ith tiny lines, and dark circles ringed his eyes. He looked ready to drop. “How long have you gone w ithout rest?” “I have not stopped since I left. The storm had frightened all the herds and every available man w orked long hours to find them. It w as too dangerous for the horses so everything w as done on foot.” Guilt assailed her, all the w omen w ere able to do w as to w ait and w orry; the men had done the hard part. An apology formed, “I’m sorry for w hat I said, it w as unkind of me. I didn’t mean it, I’m just w orried about Cyrnon. He has come to mean a lot to me.” “I have alw ays cared for him, he w as alone too young and I have thought of him as my ow n for many years.” Fiona felt even more guilty about her rash w ords. Mom had alw ays w arned her about speaking too quickly. Feeling about tw o feet tall, she silently vow ed to make it up to him. Food w as alw ays a good start. “Have you eaten?” “I carried some smoked meat and hard bread, but a meal w ould be w elcome.” He sat dow n on a stool and sighed w ith relief. “We found most of the animals, and those w e did not find might still show up w hen the storm fully subsides or w hen they get hungry enough.” “Tanith w as very w orried and there w as no w ay to

“Tanith w as very w orried and there w as no w ay to find out w hat w as happening.” His eyes found her face, a spark of amusement tw inkled, “Only Tanith w orried?” “Well, I might have been w orried as w ell,” she conceded reluctantly, “but not as much as Tanith. Can you help me move Cyrnon to the bed, then I’ll prepare dinner.” Quickly and efficiently, Kellach gently moved the boy t o her bed—amazingly enough. Having no good reason to object and because he moved Cyrnon at her direction, Fiona couldn’t find it in her to protest. The boy w as still unconscious and show ed no signs of aw akening soon. Perhaps rest w as the prescribed medicine for now and if he didn’t show some improvement soon, she w ould have the Oriental healer brought in for a second opinion. Her lips tw isted cynically. How ridiculous it seemed to calmly decide to have a primitive healer give a second opinion. If she w ere at home, this w ould have been have been taken out of her hands immediately, but that w as not the case and she w as about all Cyrnon had right now . After making sure Cyrnon w as resting as comfortably as possible and covered w armly, Fiona w ent about putting food on the table. Kellach w olfed the food and after several helpings, he w as replete at last. Overcoming her normal shyness and w anting to ease some of his w eariness, Fiona moved behind and slow ly began to massage his neck and shoulders. He started in surprise, but soon relaxed as she w orked, enjoying the silken feel of her hands, kneading and caressing each taut muscle. The sensation w as unlike any other and he took pleasure in every stroke. Finally, know ing he had to go, he caught her hand and cupped it to his cheek, w anting the closeness. His normally clean shaven face scratched her w ith tw o days’

normally clean shaven face scratched her w ith tw o days’ grow th of beard, but his gesture w as one of untold feeling. He breathed deeply, turned his face into her hand and planted a soft kiss in the center of her palm, sending shivers dow n her spine. Unthinking, Fiona reached out and smoothed his hair. Kellach’s smoldering eyes spoke a thousand w ords, w ords he w anted to voice. Reluctantly, he released her hand and stood up, preparing to depart. “Are you leaving again?” Fiona asked, concern evident in her voice. “The w ind has died dow n and I need to return. The herds w ill be uneasy and someone needs to be there to calm them.” Fiona listened—the w ind had subsided! She had not noticed before, her attention had been on other things. “Aren’t there others w ho could help?” A w eary smile crossed his face, “They have w orked as long and hard as I, and I w ould not put such a burden on them.” “Perhaps you could w ait until the morning,” she offered hesitantly. “Would that I w ere able to do that! There is nothing I w ould w ant more, but I could not rest unless I knew all w as as it should be.” He took his responsibilities seriously and the faith and trust others put in him w ere w ell placed. A highly principled man, Fiona silently conceded, one w ho knew w hat honor truly meant. Much as she disliked the idea, she fully understood w hy he needed to go. “How long w ill you be gone?” “I w ill be back in late morning, Siran w ill take the w atch after that.” “So long?” she asked. The last few days had seemed

“So long?” she asked. The last few days had seemed forever w ithout his company and she had looked forw ard to a return to normal. Conan, sensing he w as leaving, raced to the door, ready to accompany Kellach. He leaned dow n and scratched the little cur behind the ears. “Not this time, my little friend, and you w ould not like being w ithout your mistress.” Softly, “I do not like it either.” A lump formed in Fiona’s throat and she turned aw ay, tears threatening. W hy couldn’t he be like every other man she had ever know n? It w ould make things so much easier. Returning home w as alw ays uppermost in her mind and she didn’t like these niggling moments of doubt that seemed to regularly spring up. She w anted to go home, didn’t she? Her mind said “yes,” but her heart ached for w hat could not be. “Take care,” she w hispered. “I’ll be here. If Cyrnon’s condition changes for the w orse, I’ll let you know .” He nodded and w ent out the door. Loneliness sw ept over her. If it w eren’t for Cyrnon, she w ould have sought Tanith’s company, but she couldn’t leave Cyrnon alone. She w ent about cleaning up and, after checking on Cyrnon again, she took Conan out for a short run. Tanith stepped out into the evening and, noticing Fiona, she w aved and then w ent back inside. Siran w as home and they w ould be catching up, Fiona supposed. That brought vivid images to mind. Oh w ell, better to keep things as they w ere. Her insistence that it w ould be Kellach w ho w ould be hurt w hen she left w as just a cover story. The mere thought of leaving Kellach caused her pain. Time to think of something else! She forced herself to focus on her parents and home. W hat w ere they doing, how w ere they, w ere they taking

W hat w ere they doing, how w ere they, w ere they taking care of Sykes? Of course they w ere, they w ere her parents, after all. Mom w ould be w orking in her shop, preparing her ointments, salves and w hatever else she came up w ith and Dad w ould be puttering around his office, excited over some new archeological find. Normal, every day things—for that life anyw ay. She picked Conan up and hugged him. He w as grow ing fast and she guessed, full grow n, he w ould w eigh in at around 35 pounds. No particular breed dominated his makeup, but no matter, he loved her totally and w as a perfect companion; those attributes w ent a long w ay in her book. “Guess it’s you and me again, buddy.” He cocked his head quizzically. “Oops, sorry,” she said, “I forgot you don’t speak English.”

Chapter Tw enty-Tw o Kellach trudged tow ard the holding pens, revived somew hat by a few moments of rest and a w ell prepared meal. Those close moments w ith Fiona lingered and, but for the w ork ahead, he w as strangely content. There w as still a great deal to do, but he hadn’t w anted to w orry Fiona needlessly. The real danger had passed, but long hours lay ahead. If all w ent w ell, one of the other herders might be agreeable to keeping w atch until Siran arrived and he w ould be home sooner than he stated. His thoughts returned to Fiona. She w as truly an amazing w oman, far more interesting than any he had ever know n. Her skill as a healer w as unsurpassed and her uncomplaining care of Cyrnon, along w ith any others w ho sought her attention, only enhanced her appeal. He crossed the market square and so engrossed w as he in his thoughts, he did not see Voadicia until he w as almost upon her. She moved to stand in his w ay and, contrary to w hat he supposed w as her intent, he w as irritated by her maneuver. He w as not in the mood nor did he have the time to deal w ith her. He moved to step around her but she kept pace w ith him. “You look exhausted, lover, has your little bed slave kept you so busy,” she sneered. “I know not of w hom you speak,” he countered, not allow ing her to goad him.

allow ing her to goad him. “Do not play games w ith me, you w ould not w in,” her eyes glittered. “If you speak of my new housekeeper—that is all she is.” He turned aside and started another direction. “I cannot spend time conversing w ith you this evening, I have w ork to do.” “W hy do you not put her in her place? She should not have the rights of even a mere housekeeper. She is not one of us. She is a captured enemy and captured enemies are slaves. That is the law ,” contempt dripped from her voice. Kellach froze, to have Fiona named as slave left her too open to Voadicia’s particular brand of cruelty and he w ould be hard pressed to protect her if Voadicia decided she w as a liability. His eyes looked daggers, “Fiona is no slave and you have no control over her. She is my servant and you w ould do w ell to remember that. I protect w hat is mine.” He stepped menacingly tow ards her, his meaning clear. A small flicker of fear crept into Voadicia’s eyes. “It is not I that w ould decide her fate, that is the decision of the Council and the priests,” she spat. “Not all the Council members are capable of thinking clearly,” he grow led. “Their thoughts are confused by your vileness, and the priests follow those in pow er. Think you I have not heard of your manipulations?” Sw aggering now , Voadicia scoffed, “My manipulations, as you call them, are for the good of the people, and I w ould never allow anyone to take w hat is mine.” Grow ing angrier by the second, Kellach voiced thoughts that w ere better left unsaid, “that is the crux —’w hat is yours’. You have nothing and you are no one—

—’w hat is yours’. You have nothing and you are no one— and you hate that. Your ow n father did not claim you, nor your mother! You w ere just an inconvenience. You can’t forget that. Your only true claim is to your beauty, and that dims w hen taken w ith the w hole. Your hatefulness and malevolence touch everyone near you. How Alstrom can bear your presence is not w ithin my understanding!” Voadicia stepped back, her face blazing w ith fury, “You dare speak to me in such a w ay? I could destroy you —as w ell as your little servant!” W ith that, she spun around and careened into a passing child. The child received a slap for her clumsiness and Voadicia stormed aw ay. Kellach consoled the crying child, too late realizing his mistake in confronting Voadicia. She w ould not soon forget this moment and it w as very likely that Fiona w ould suffer the result. She could easily press the Council to determine that Fiona w as a threat, and as Fiona had no protection w ithin the law s of the people, she w as an easy target. There w ere few options open to Fiona—marriage, or, if she chose to do so, she could bind herself to him or one of the other nobles and secure their protection and, in time, at least obtain the status of one of the low er classes. That option could take years and she didn’t have that kind of time if Voadicia made good her threats. It galled him that he had allow ed the w itch to provoke him Durlach hailed him as he continued on his w ay. “I see you are getting along w ell w ith Voadicia,” he said dryly. “You are in good company.” Durlach had also helped in the round up, but seemed none the w orse for w ear. Maybe I am getting old, Kellach thought w ith some disquiet, but most of the men had w orked in shifts, w hile Kellach had labored the entire time. He could still more than hold his ow n w ith even one such as

He could still more than hold his ow n w ith even one such as Durlach. “Voadicia grow s more fanatical w ith each passing day, and I hear w hispers that she is sacrificing men as w ell as animals to the Gods. In truth, she scares me.” Durlach’s open face w as fraught w ith concern. “I am happy to be aw ay in the spring.” “She has her limitations and w ouldn’t dare move against any of the nobles or their families.” “I think she may at least try, she has the backing of more than one noble.” “W ho w ould back her?” Even though Kellach had similar intimations, to have his concerns voiced by another w as more than troubling. “A few of the younger members, Cromanus and his brother bear w atching. Mellonus leans but is yet undecided.” It did not surprise him that Durlach w as so informed, he had long been know n to find hidden truths. His w eb of information stretched from highborn families to loose w omen living near the river’s edge. He w as not loosetongued or untruthful in w hat he learned. “W hat did Voadicia seek from you?” Durlach asked. “She threatened me and the w oman, Fiona. It is my error that she now know s Fiona is more than just a servant. I did not w ant Fiona to attract her attention, but it seems that is the case and she w on’t stop until she learns the entire truth. Something w ill have to change or Fiona is lost.” “You w ill just have to w ed her,” Durlach stated calmly, “there is no other option, or I could marry her in your stead. I w ould make her a good husband.” Kellach stopped abruptly, and glared at Durlach, “If

Kellach stopped abruptly, and glared at Durlach, “If anyone w eds her, it w ill be me!” His voice left no question as to his sincerity. Durlach grinned, “I thought that might be your answ er, I but had to know for sure. W hen can w e plan on this happy occasion?” Kellach grow led, “I w ill have to convince her first, she w ants to leave and I don’t alw ays please her.” “W hat? The great Kellach is having trouble w ith a w oman! Methinks the w orld might be ending.” Durlach burst into laughter. To imagine Kellach as having w oman trouble w as too funny by far. Kellach did not seem to appreciate his good humor, “Perhaps you should w ander aw ay and annoy someone else.” “No, I am enjoying w here I’m at,” he continued, “and you w ill need help w ith the herds.” Kellach couldn’t dispute that, how many had stayed to help w as yet to be seen. Besides, Durlach’s mood had lifted the black cloud that hung over him from his encounter w ith Voadicia. “Then stop your nonsense and let’s get to w ork.” The herds aw aited and the sooner they finished, the sooner he could go home.

Chapter Tw enty-Three Fiona made one last check on Cyrnon before retiring; forced a little more w ater dow n his throat and made sure he w as settled for the night. His color w as better but he still hadn’t returned to consciousness. He did seem more aw are, though, moving around somew hat and making small noises. Perhaps he w as trying to w ake up. Hopefully, that w as the case. She moved the curtain back so as to have a clear view of him through the night. Vow ing to keep one ear open, she settled dow n in Kellach’s bed. Even though he had not slept here for the last tw o nights, his essence lingered everyw here. Funny how you could identify a person by his ow n particular smell, she thought. His w as a spicy musky scent, intoxicating and intriguing, and comforting in a strange w ay. Clutching his pillow , she drifted off to sleep. In the early hours of the morning, Kellach made his w ay home; first stopping at the bathhouse for a quick scrubbing. Exhaustion numbed his mind and the only coherent thought w as home, Fiona and bed, in that order. Too tired by far to think any farther than that, he trudged on. Quietly, he let himself into the dw elling, only one small candle lit the room, casting a mellow glow on the interior. His tail w agging w ildly, Conan raised up on the bed, but Kellach managed to quiet him before he w oke everyone. He made a quick check on Cyrnon, w ho appeared

He made a quick check on Cyrnon, w ho appeared somew hat better and turned to his bed. Fiona lay on her side, sleeping deeply. Long eyelashes brushed her cheeks and her mouth w as parted softly. He stood for a few moments drinking in the sight of her. Even in sleep, she w as uncommonly beautiful. One w illow y arm w as flung out and the other curved near her face. He studied her, clear skin, a slight blush to her high cheekbones, graceful curve of her neck and rounded breasts w ere only parts of her appeal. Taking care not to w aken her, he undressed and eased into the bed. Conan rew arded him w ith a thorough face w ashing and, satisfied all w as w ell, he lay back dow n and w ent back to sleep. Kellach lay there for a few moments listening to Fiona’s soft breathing and, soothed by the sound, fell into sleep. Something roused Fiona slightly. From her vantage point, she could see that Cyrnon w as resting quietly and, w ithout checking further, she settled back to sleep. Morning came and unw illing to face the day quite yet, she snuggled dow n for a few more minutes of sleep. Her mind registered the fact that her pillow w as hard and unyielding, and her heartbeat w as so loud, she could sw ear she heard it. The bed w as too w arm by far and she kicked w hat covers there w ere off the bed. Her pillow moved and arms w rapped around her. She stiffened, and opened her eyes. Kellach’s face w as inches aw ay from her, his eyes w arm and inviting. His body w as pressed against her side, and unless she w as mistaken, he w as completely interested. One hand slow ly massaged her body, making small circles along the w ay. His hand brushed her nipple and she jumped in surprise. All the w hile, his lips w ere finding small erotic spots along her neck and around her ear. Fiona’s heart pounded

along her neck and around her ear. Fiona’s heart pounded and w armth spiraled dow n. She w as not prudish by nature but the things he w as making her body feel w ere too erotic by far for her limited experience. His mouth teased the corner of her lips and slow ly w orked across her mouth, tantalizing her w ith the promise of more. W hen she didn’t deny him, the kiss deepened. His tongue parted her mouth and plunged in, sw irling around her ow n, demanding she yield. Reason deserted her. The only thing that existed at this moment w as her need for him and the feelings he invoked. Deeper and deeper she fell into the maelstrom of desire, sw irling around and around, conscious only of Kellach and the blazing flame of desire coursing through her. Somew here along the w ay, her robe had disappeared and Kellach pressed against her bare skin, his desire hard and probing, melded hot skin against hot skin. She moaned and w rapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. A knee parted her legs and she opened w illingly to him. Craving everything that he could give, she threw off her inhibitions and let sensuality take over. Kellach w as a master of seduction and she a novice. She recognized his expertise even w hile she reveled in it. No clumsy fumbling here. He slow ly w orked his w ay dow n, stopping to savor each part of her, licking and tasting and arousing along his dow nw ard path. Arching her back to savor the sensations, Fiona buried her hands in his hair, w illing him to explore every part of her. His hands w ere everyw here, and w hen he found the core of her desire, emotion exploded in a w arm liquid rush. “Please,” she begged, “please, please.” Kellach answ ered, his voice hoarse and deep w ith desire, “Tell me w hat you w ant! Tell me now and I w ill

desire, “Tell me w hat you w ant! Tell me now and I w ill make it so.” “I w ant…I need…I don’t know ,” she tossed her head back and forth, “I w ant to feel you in me, I need you in me.” Kellach laughed, a soft seductive sound, “And you shall, my beautiful love—and you shall.” Fiona felt his manhood probing at the center of her desire, her fever pitched even higher as her body prepared for the invasion. She w as ready as she had never been ready or w illing before. Kellach w as the epitome of all her secret yearnings and her being existed for this moment. A thud broke up their reverie. “Are you tw o ever going to be finished? I’m really hungry,” Cyrnon’s petulant voice sounded in the open room. Fiona gasped and made a dive for the covers, how could she have forgotten Cyrnon? “Conan has been over here licking my face forever and I think he w ants to go outside,” he continued grumpily. Kellach rolled to his side, groaning. “Mayhap I should finish him off,” he w hispered. Mortified, Fiona recovered quickly and began laughing —and laughed and laughed to the point her sides hurt. This w as one for the medical logs. How to w ake up a coma victim in three easy steps! Her laughter spilled over to Kellach and soon he w as laughing as w ell. “I don’t see w hat’s so funny. I think Conan just w et on the floor and my head really hurts,” he complained, “w ill you tw o just stop w hatever you’re doing and help me out over here.” Hiccupping w ith mirth, Fiona slid off the bed and hastened to Cyrnon’s side. His eyes w ere stormy and Conan w as nipping at his ears, totally delighted that Cyrnon w as aw ake and w anted to play. Fiona pushed the dog off the

aw ake and w anted to play. Fiona pushed the dog off the bed and gave Cyrnon a great big lip-smacking kiss, so relieved w as she that he w as aw ake and able to speak clearly.

Chapter Tw enty-Four Fiona turned and w atched as Kellach opened a deep coffer and pulled out various items of clothing and equipment. He w as totally nude and seemingly unconscious of the fact. Goodness, people here just didn’t have much in the w ay of modesty! All that aside, his naked body w as a lesson in masculine beauty and she w as struck again by the pow er of his form. He turned quickly and caught her staring, amusement flickering across his face. Guiltily she turned aw ay, her face flaming, but her eyes w ere draw n back w ithout volition. W hen he had everything laid out, Kellach began to dress, first putting on a short under-tunic and then garments w hich she could only describe as soldierly. He strapped on leather arm and low er leg protectors as w ell as a hardened leather vest studded w ith metal. He retrieved a scabbard out of the large chest and various other w eapons soon joined. A brass helmet completed the attire and, in no time, he became the “W arrior Lord.” Having not had the opportunity to see him outfitted this w ay previously, Fiona w as impressed by the transformation. He certainly looked formidable. The change concerned her, though, and questions sprang to mind. “W hy are you dressed like that?” she quizzed him. “I have been elected by the Council to lead the army and to prepare them for battle and I must begin training

and to prepare them for battle and I must begin training today.” “Prepare them for battle! Are you going out to fight? Are w e in danger?” “We are in no danger for the time being, but I am to prepare the soldiers in the event w e are attacked, w hich w ill happen eventually.” The idea of a battle really made Fiona nervous. Battles in her time w ere fought someplace else and you read about them in the new spaper, they didn’t happen in front of you. She had seen enough lately to indicate skirmishes happened here on a regular basis and w ere accepted as part of life. Just the other day, she had heard from one of the other ladies that a small band of raiders had attacked the fringes of the yellow settlement, but w ere driven off. That w as too close for comfort. “W hy must it be you?” she asked. “My family has commanded the army for generations and it is my duty to continue in that capacity and offer my leadership.” Noting her concerned expression, he tried to allay her fears, “It is just preparation in the event something does happen. Do your people not do the same?” She had to admit they did, “Yes, but I have never been so close before.” “You w ill have to tell me about your people some day w hen w e have the time, I am curious about your homeland,” he said, trying to lessen her w orry by changing the subject. He drew his long sw ord out and polished the edge. It w as a w icked looking blade and Fiona could only imagine the damage that could be done w ith it. The images it brought to mind made her slightly ill and very uneasy. Kellach grinned, “I do not go into battle lightly, and only

Kellach grinned, “I do not go into battle lightly, and only w hen necessary.” He hesitated, “And I never lose.” “Well, that’s certainly good to know . I’ll remember that the next time w e are attacked,” she said dryly. “I’ll just tell the bad men that they might as w ell give up, because Kellach never loses. That’ll scare them.” Kellach’s grin turned into a w holehearted laugh. “Your w it is w ithout compare. I must go now , though I w ould rather stay and converse w ith you.” As if he w ere her husband or a long time lover, Kellach leaned dow n and kissed her quickly and then exited before she had a chance to protest. Her lips tingled and a niggling feeling of regret gnaw ed at her. W hat w ould it be like to truly be his w oman? Oh w ell, she thought, better he had left w hile she composed herself. How silly that one little kiss could affect her so. Everything about the man affected her and she needed to leave soon or she w ould never be able to go. She decided to approach him about leaving again that evening. Maybe he could be induced to change his mind about letting her go or even taking her to w here they found her. She w asn’t harboring much hope that he w ould agree, though. “Are you Kellach’s w oman now ?” Cyrnon shyly asked, his face flushing beet red. Humiliating as it w as to be asked such a question, Fiona could blame no one but herself. It w as embarrassing to be caught in the act, but it w as also pretty humorous. She hadn’t acted w ith much consideration for the consequences this morning. “No more than I w as before, thanks to you,” she grinned at him. His face dropped. “I…I did not mean to hamper Kellach’s progress,” he stuttered. “Kellach w as doing fine, it w as my ‘progress’ that w as

“Kellach w as doing fine, it w as my ‘progress’ that w as hampered.” “Kellach w ill be angry once he’s had the time to think about it! Perhaps you should help me move back to my ow n bed!” His eyes reflected his distress. Kellach w as not one he w ould care to upset. “Kellach isn’t going to get mad. He w ould have gotten mad this morning if he w as going to. Anyw ay, if you are feeling better later today, maybe w e can move you tonight, but I’ll need Kellach’s help. You have to promise, though, to stay off that leg for a few days and get lots of rest.” “I promise, but how long do I have to stay thus?” he asked. “Until I tell you otherw ise.” “I have things that need my attention. I am not so feeble that I need to lie abed w hile w ork needs done,” he protested. Fiona stared at him, so young to have to be so responsible. He should be playing video games and w atching TV and doing all those fun things kids in her time did. But he w as a product of his environment and the dictates of life started early—they usually ended early as w ell. The door opened and Tanith entered w ith Machar in tow . “I thought you could use a few moments to yourself. I’ll sit w ith Cyrnon for a w hile.” Conan and Machar ran tow ards each other enthusiastically and the chase w as on. “Machar, take the dog outside and play w here I can see you,” Tanith instructed him. Machar eagerly grabbed Conan’s leash and out they w ent, Machar w hooping noisily and Conan barking in chorus. Tanith’s pregnancy w as progressing. Her w aist had

Tanith’s pregnancy w as progressing. Her w aist had thickened and she w as starting to show . Today, she looked draw n and tired, and her usually rosy complexion w as pale and muddy. She sat dow n and breathed a sigh of relief. “Are you feeling w ell today?” Fiona asked, concerned, “you don’t look it.” “Just tired, I had a restless night and didn’t sleep w ell.” “Well, you don’t need to be over here. W hy don’t you just go home and rest. I’ll w atch Machar for a w hile.” “No, I’m all right. I need some things from the market and I w as just hoping you w ould get them for me. I’m fine as long as I am sitting dow n. We w ill do w ell, w on’t w e Cyrnon?” she directed a look at the boy. He nodded. “We could play a game or I could tell you a story about our journey to the east.” Excitement sparkled in his eyes. “I don’t like leaving you w hen you aren’t feeling w ell,” Fiona objected, “you should be resting.” “I can rest here w hile I w atch Cyrnon and he w ill take care of me, so it’s settled.” Tanith leaned back and put her feet up on the end of the bed. She appeared determined to follow through so Fiona decided to get the marketing done in a hurry and be home before too long. “I’ll take Machar along w ith me so you don’t have to chase him too!” A w isp of a smile touched Tanith’s lips, “He is a handful and I w ould be thankful for a few moments peace.” “It’s settled then, w e’ll be back shortly.”

Chapter Tw enty-Five Fiona stepped outside and called for Machar. She tried to tie a disgruntled Conan outside but relented w hen Machar promised to keep a w atchful eye on him and not let him jump and bark at people. She knew it w ould eventually be her job but at least it gave Tanith the time to rest. Xio Li, Mei Mei and the baby joined her and they w alked sw iftly along, hurrying to get the shopping done before the heat became too unbearable. The market w as busy as it alw ays w as in the early hours and many of Fiona’s acquaintances w ere in attendance. Engai moved slow ly ahead of them, checking each booth, and Ceara trailed behind. W hen Ceara spied them, she ran back quickly, and Engai follow ed. “We w ere hoping w e w ould see you,” Ceara exclaimed. “I’ve been w ondering how you w ere doing and how Cyrnon w as feeling. I haven’t seen you for a long time.” “We are fine and Cyrnon is doing w ell,” Fiona replied, “but bored w ith having to stay in bed for aw hile longer.” “I’m glad Cyrnon is feeling better, I’ll come over soon and keep him company. You know , I am going to marry Cyrnon w hen I grow up,” Ceara earnestly stated, her big eyes w ide. “You are too young to be talking about marriage,” Engai scolded gently. “You are still a child.” “I w ill be a w oman before long and then I w ill need a

“I w ill be a w oman before long and then I w ill need a husband, and I have decided I w ant Cyrnon,” Ceara stated adamantly. Fiona silently laughed, “Does Cyrnon know this?” “Not yet, but someday soon. He needs to get better and grow some first.” Fiona agreed, not only get w ell, but grow a w hole lot more. She didn’t think Cyrnon w ould take w ell to the idea of a w ife so soon, but Ceara certainly seemed unw avering in her future plans. She had to control her facial expression so as not to offend Ceara by laughing out loud. She looked to Engai and w as rew arded by an amused look from her as w ell. Engai’s eyes sparkled w ith good humor and the look she turned to her young daughter spoke loudly of her pride and love. Fiona perused the crow d, “W here are the tw ins today?” “W ith Elochad. They are checking the flocks, but should be back before the noon meal. We lost quite a few animals in the storm and Elochad thinks he know s w here some might have ended up. We cannot afford to lose so many in such a short time.” By this time, a few of the other w omen had joined them and they all nodded in agreement. Sheep and cattle w ere their livelihoods and all depended on their animals for subsistence. Weaving w as an art as w ell as a necessity and these w omen had been proficient at it from the time they w ere small. Several of the w omen had encouraged Fiona to learn to w eave, and had even gone so far as to help her get started; but so far her attempts had been poor at best, and w orking w ith the hand-held spindle had been a disaster, much to the amusement of all. She w ould just have to trade her doctoring skills for w hatever cloth she

have to trade her doctoring skills for w hatever cloth she w ould need w hen she needed it. Along w ith their flocks and herds, most of these w omen’s husbands w ere farmers as w ell. Dry farms dotted the outlying areas; w heat and long flax as w ell as flax seed w ere staple crops. Flax seed w as pressed for oil and the fiber w oven into cloth. W ild bolls w ere gathered from the surrounding hills and a fine silky cotton resulted from the fibers. Colorful dyes w ere either w ashed on or stamped. Fiona glimpsed Voadicia across the crow d and moved out of the line of sight. She didn’t feel particularly interested in clashing w ith Voadicia today and w ould rather just hide. Engai noticed her look and moved to place herself strategically so that Voadicia w ould not be given the opportunity to see Fiona. Machar tugged at her arm. “Can I take Conan to the center of the square, there are too many people along here and he keeps getting tangled.” Machar pleaded w ith her, “I w on’t go very far and you w ill still be able to see me.” Conan had indeed become tangled, all around Machar, and he w as still trying to run. He kept getting underfoot of the crow ds gathered at the vendors and more than one shopper had roughly pushed him aw ay. She should have listened to herself earlier and left the dog at home, he w as still too young and untrained to be out in the public. The confusion w as too much for him and his nervousness grew by the moment. “For a few minutes, but stay right w here I can see you and don’t let Conan loose or I w on’t let you take him next time.” Machar unw ound Conan and they ran off to the center of the square. Fiona yelled at him to stop w hen he had gone far enough and he and Conan began some game

had gone far enough and he and Conan began some game that only the young w ould recognize. They both appeared to be content w ith the setting and they w ere close enough that she could get there on short notice. Xio Li and Mei Mei w andered over to one of the tattoo artists’ booths and w ere talking animatedly w ith a heavily tattooed young Asian man. From the looks on their faces and their conversation, he w as familiar to them and they seemed pleased to see him. He directed a lot of attention to Mei Mei and she reciprocated in kind, w ith sidew ays looks and little smiles. She w as flirting w ith him, and he w as enjoying it. Fiona thought he w as attractive in an Asianbiker sort of w ay and might just be a good match for Mei Mei. She w ould need a husband some day and it w as something she w ould have to look into. Tattoo artists w ere respected members of the society and w ere constantly busy along w ith other artisans, w ho abounded here. He w ould make a good choice for Mei Mei and w ould provide w ell for her, given the business at this site. Along w ith the tattoo artists, potters, w eavers, and jew elers lined the market square along w ith the food and other vendors. A brutal-looking Caucasian male, dressed in the clothing of Voadicia’s guards, stepped out of the crow d and focused on Mei Mei and, w hen he moved tow ards her, Fiona’s alarm w ent off. She didn’t like the w ay he w as acting or the looks he w as directing at Mei Mei and the baby. Mei Mei turned and, as she did so, her attention w as draw n to him. A spasm of fear crossed her face as she cuddled the baby protectively to her chest. The brute made a grab for Mei Mei’s arm and, w hen he did so, she cringed and jerked aw ay from him and ran behind Xio Li. Xio Li stood her ground, but he roughly pushed her out of the w ay.

w ay. “W here have you been, you little slut?” he ground out, his already homely face made uglier by the foul expression he w ore. Mei Mei dipped her head, refusing to look at him, and crying softly. “I said, w here have you been? I’ve been searching for you for w eeks but no one seemed to know w here you’d gone.” He stepped menacingly closer. “Leave her alone, she not belong to you,” Xio Li stepped in. He raised his arm and slapped her so hard, she fell to the ground. Quick as lightening, the Asian man drew a knife and faced the attacker. Fiona’s heart stopped, the lout w as a good head taller than the little Asian man and outw eighed him by at least 75 pounds. The w iry build of the small Asian man w as no contest for the brute strength of the larger man. W ily and cunning, the small man circled the larger man, his knife hand w eaving and moving like a snake. Mei Mei and the baby w ere too close for comfort and Fiona raced over to pull them to safety. Like a mongoose attacking a cobra, the small man danced and w ove, w aiting for the right moment to strike. The big man roared and charged the smaller man and as he did so, the smaller man lashed out w ith the knife, slicing a large gash across his arm. Enraged, he charged again and received another slash for his efforts, this time across his cheek. A crow d formed around them, draw n by the promise of blood. Cohorts of the bully w ere egging him on and tossing derogatory remarks at the smaller man. As yet, he w as able to keep out of the larger man’s grasp but it w as grow ing harder as the crow d pressed closer. “Somebody needs to stop this,” Fiona cried, “before someone gets really hurt!” She looked w ildly around the

someone gets really hurt!” She looked w ildly around the crow d, hoping to find a familiar face, one w ith enough influence to make a difference. “Stop this,” she pleaded, “somebody do something!” Engai stepped in beside her, holding her close, w hile Ceara cow ered behind. The fight w as grow ing more vicious by the second and the larger man fought w ith deadly intent. The larger man landed a vicious blow , knocking the smaller man backw ards. He crashed heavily to the ground, but rolling w ith the impact, he danced to his feet and faced the larger man once more, blood dripping from a cut to his lip. He w as tiring and the larger man, sensing victory, moved in again. This time the smaller man w as not so lucky. Several bystanders grabbed him from behind, knocking his knife aw ay, and preventing him from defending himself. Defiance lit the smaller man’s face as the brute grabbed him by the throat and began squeezing. Fiona screamed and buried her face in her hands. None of the men in the crow d w ere attempting to do anything to stop this, if anything, they w ere encouraging it. She didn’t w ant to see this, could not bear to w atch a life end this w ay. The crow d w as screaming in frenzy, excited by the promise of death. Seconds ticked by and still she w ould not w atch. Suddenly, the brute roared in pain and Fiona looked up in time to see him let go of the other and reach for his chest. A knife w as buried to the hilt and blood gushed from the w ound, deep red arterial blood. He looked dow n at the knife and then at the smaller man, disbelief w ritten on his features. His knees slow ly gave w ay and he sank to the ground, dead before he even landed. The smaller man had a hidden knife and had managed to draw it and strike even as he w as throttled.

and strike even as he w as throttled. Stunned, the crow d w as silenced. “Murderer, he’s a murderer!” a man accused loudly and, as one, they turned on the smaller man. He w as gone, having disappeared in the w ink of an eye, escaping w hile their attention centered on the dead man. Hysterical tears ran dow n Fiona’s face. She had never w itnessed a violent death before, only those poor souls at the hospital w ho sank quietly aw ay. Her vision sw am and she thought she w ould faint. Engai gripped her tighter and moved her aw ay from the carnage. “Machar!” she cried, “w here is Machar?” She had forgotten him in the w ake of the fight and she frantically ran around searching for him. “Here, I’m here!” he cried, dragging Conan along behind him. “Did you see the fight, and all that blood, it w as really scary!” His little face w as pale and tremors shook his chin. Fiona hugged him to her. Such a terrible thing for a small child to see. Ceara w as crying, held tightly in her mother’s arms. W hat had started as an enjoyable outing had become a nightmare. Fiona looked to Mei Mei, “W ho w as that man—tell me, w ho w as he?” “He baby’s father, very mean man, hurt Mei Mei all the time,” tears glistened on Mei’s Mei’s face. “I glad he dead.” “W ho w as the other man, the one w ho defended you?” “That Chen, he good man, very smart, ow n business and w ork hard. He not care that Mei Mei have baby. He nice to Mei Mei all time. I afraid for Chen.” “I hope he got aw ay from those men, but w here w ill he go?” “He have lot a friends, they hide him. He like Xio Li and Mei Mei—mother from village and father like you. Grow up in

Mei Mei—mother from village and father like you. Grow up in streets like Xio Li and Mei Mei.” Several of their w omen acquaintances from the marketplace had gathered round. Shocked by the violence they had just w itnessed, they w ere milling around aimlessly. Their eyes darted nervously, w orried that perhaps they might be the next target of Voadicia’s guards. “This is not the first such incident. I have heard of others,” a young mother said in a hushed w hisper. “My ow n father saw one of Voadicia’s guards beating a prostitute dow n by the river.” Several others also voiced comments about similar episodes, and w ere outraged by the hostile and criminal attitudes exhibited by Voadicia’s guards. “Alstrom turns a blind eye to her corruption and her guards act as though nothing can touch them!” another exclaimed. They w atched as the guards hauled the body aw ay, a large pool of blood slow ly seeping into the ground. Fiona turned her back, she had seen enough. She hastily collected her little entourage and hurried off, w anting to be aw ay from this place as soon as possible. It w as a very subdued group w ho made their w ay home; even Machar’s usual childish jubilance w as restrained. Tanith met them at the door. One look at their faces alerted her to the fact that something w as terribly w rong. Fiona brushed by her, unw illing to discuss it at the moment. Tanith stepped out and quietly questioned Xio Li, “W hat has happened, w hat has you so upset?” “Bad man attack Mei Mei and Chen kill him!” Xio Li sobbed. “Chen? W ho is Chen?” “Chen tattoo man dow n in marketplace. He long time friend and try to protect Mei Mei,” Mei Mei jumped into the conversation. “He kill bad man in fight. Mei Mei glad. Chen

conversation. “He kill bad man in fight. Mei Mei glad. Chen run aw ay, don’t know w here he go.” Her face w as dow ncast and tears rolled dow n her cheeks. Xio Li hugged her, smoothing her hair. “I saw it, Mama!” Machar exclaimed. “He stabbed him w ith a knife and there w as blood everyw here.” His eyes w ere big and she could see that he w as very frightened but trying hard to be brave. She clasped him tightly to her, “W ho w as the bad man?” “He one of Voadicia’s guards, plenty mean—baby’s father,” Mei Mei w oefully admitted. “Guards w ill kill Chen!” “The Council w ill decide if he should be punished.” “Council never see him. They kill him before that,” Xio Li said angrily. Secretly, Tanith agreed. Voadicia w as maneuvering to take control and the death of one of her guards w ould be view ed as an attack on her. She w ould not take the new s lightly. “Perhaps if he turned himself in, he could get a fair hearing before the Council,” she said quietly, even though she knew that w ouldn’t happen. He w ould never make it to the hearing. Voadicia w ould see to that. His life w ould be forfeit if he w ere caught. Xio Li and Mei Mei left to return to their hut and Tanith stepped back into the house. Fiona w as sitting by the fire pit, huddled dow n, her hair veiling her face. Tanith approached her, reaching for the w ords to comfort her, but found none. The best she had w as the strength of her presence. Fiona’s voice w as so low , Tanith had to lean dow n to hear her. “I don’t w ant to be in this place anymore, I w ant to go home.” The w ords w ere said in a monotone and w ithout inflection.

w ithout inflection. It w ould be hard to convince Fiona that this w as an isolated incident, w hen Tanith knew otherw ise. There w as too much talk in the marketplace and hints from Siran to think otherw ise. These w ere troubled times and only a fool w ould think otherw ise. “Tonight, I am going to ask Kellach again to take me from here, and I w ill ask him every day thereafter until he agrees.” It w as disturbing to hear her speak thus. Gone w as the normal cheerful lilt that w as so normal in her speech. Tanith could only hope that today’s events w ould fade; Fiona just needed time right now . She kissed Fiona on the brow and gathered her things. “I am going home and try to calm Machar. Do you mind if I take Conan w ith us? I think it w ould help Machar to forget today if he had Conan to play w ith.” Fiona did not look up, only nodded her assent. Tanith made one last check on Cyrnon. He w as sleeping and, hopefully, he w ould do so until Kellach came home. Kellach w ould know how to handle this. Unsure of w hat else she could do, she patted Fiona gently and left, overcome by dread. Fiona sat there for hours, the fight repeating itself over and over in her mind, like a never-ending horror film. Despair settled in and she w ept. She w as still sitting there, tears streaming dow n her face, w hen Kellach returned. He knew w hat had happened, as Siran had caught him before he reached home. Aw kw ardly, he strained to find w ords to comfort her. Death w as not unknow n to him and he learned to accept it and move on, but Fiona w as different. He did not know much about her beginnings, but he knew enough to understand that she had been protected from the harsher side of life. Brutality and death w ere foreign to her nature. His throat closed up and a w eight settled in his

her nature. His throat closed up and a w eight settled in his chest. She had become so central to his life, and to see her so grieved caused him much pain. “Fiona,” he w hispered, “I am sorry you w ere so frightened.” She said nothing, only turning aw ay from him. He knelt dow n beside her and reached for her hands, “Had I been there, I w ould have stopped the fighting. I w ould not have allow ed Darragh to molest Mei Mei.” Her eyes w ould not meet his and he felt her w ithdraw al. She tried to pull her hands aw ay, but he held on. “Darragh w as a bully and it w as only a matter of time before someone made an example of him. I am only sorry you w ere there to w itness it.” She slow ly lifted her head, staring at him through eyes reddened from crying, dried tears streaking her cheeks. “Was that his name—Darragh?” He nodded, “He w on’t hurt Mei Mei ever again.” “I w ant to go home,” she w himpered, looking aw ay again. “I don’t w ant to stay in this place anymore. Please take me home.” “I do not know w here your home is,” he said. “I w ould try but I don’t know w here to go.” “Just take me back to w here you found me! At least there,” she pleaded. “I told you, there is nothing there, just open spaces, nothing for as far as the eye can see.” “I don’t care, I just w ant to go there. Perhaps there’s something you missed, something that only I w ould understand.” “Believe me w hen I say, there is nothing there,” he said vehemently. “It w ould be a futile trip.” “Better that than to stay in this place. There is nothing for me here, and I can’t live this w ay. I can’t

nothing for me here, and I can’t live this w ay. I can’t accept that life is so cheap, life should mean more than that.” Tears fell from her eyes again and Kellach ached to draw her near. He tightened his grip on her hands and forced her to look at him, “No one w ill hurt you. I w on’t let them.” For the first time in his life, Kellach truly w anted a w oman, this w oman, for more than just a night’s pleasure. “Stay w ith me,” he pleaded, “take my hand and join w ith me. I w ill give you all that I have and I w ould care for you as no other.” Fiona’s mind w ould not grasp w hat he w as saying. “W hat…w hat did you say?” “I asked you to stay w ith me, to join w ith me.” Her eyes w idened, “Are you saying w hat I think you are saying?” “I am asking you to stay w ith me, to w ed me, to be my bride,” he said earnestly. “I w ould provide for you and you w ould never w ant for anything.” She jumped up and w hirled aw ay from him. “Don’t say that! I can’t marry you, I don’t belong here!” she cried. “If I married you, it w ould be as if I w ere admitting that I can never go home, and I w on’t do that. I can’t do that.” Back and forth she paced, w ringing her hands in anguish. Kellach did the only thing he could think to do. He w rapped his arms around her and held her tightly, against his heart w here she belonged. Held close in his arms, the steady beating of his heart soothed her w ith its rhythm and finally eased some of the anguish Fiona w as drow ning in. She felt safe and protected, and strange though it seemed, as though this w as w here she truly belonged. He held her, rocking her slightly until the storm passed. W ithout thought, she raised her mouth to his,

passed. W ithout thought, she raised her mouth to his, kissing him desperately, trying to erase the terrible images shattering her soul. Groaning, he ravaged her w ith his mouth, frantic w ith his desire to have all of her, w anting every part of her. He rained frenzied kisses dow n her throat to the hollow nestled at the base of her throat. Only now existed; all else fled in the w ake of his fevered caresses and burgeoning desire. He burned w ith the need to totally possess her, to have her w illingly open to him and return his passion w ith an ardor equaling his. Kellach fought for control and reluctantly pushed her aw ay. Now w as not the time to press his w ill upon her. She w as vulnerable and her vulnerability w as not w hat he w anted. He w anted her w et and w anting, and know ing that only he could make her thus. W hen they joined, it w ould be for the right reasons, not because she w as seeking solace from the dark invaders w ho w recked havoc on her mind. Her eyes snapped open, surprise registering deep in their depths. “We w ill continue this another time.” He inhaled deeply, “I w ould have you w hen your mind is free from all but w hat is betw een us.” “W hat do you mean?” she gasped. “You seek to ease your pain, and w hile I w ould be happy to oblige, I w ant more than that from you.” View ed through a haze of desire, Fiona’s eyes mapped the contours of his face. Frustrated desire overlain w ith concern and compassion left their marks on his visage and Fiona ached to smooth the lines aw ay. He stepped back and moved aw ay, putting distance betw een them. Bereft of his comfort, confusion and pain again assailed her. “How is Cyrnon this day,” Kellach sought to distract her.

her. “I think better,” she responded softly. “He w ants to go back to your mother’s house.” “I am much better,” Cyrnon declared, “but I am ready to go home. I grow tired of pretending to be asleep so as not to disturb you again.” A small glimmer of a smile quivered Fiona’s lips. “I didn’t know you w ere aw ake.” “And how w as I to sleep w ith all that noise you w ere making?” His eyes tw inkled, “I do not enjoy being forced to w atch certain things.” Against her w ill, an embarrassed giggle bubbled up and escaped her lips. Kellach’s close comfort and the normalcy of his home had greatly eased the burden she suffered. “I don’t w ant you w atching, either, some things are much better w ithout an audience.” “So you feel w ell enough to go home?” Kellach inquired of Cyrnon. “Yes, but I w ould w elcome your help,” he said, attempting to stand on his ow n. Kellach strode over to him and lifted him easily up. Fiona follow ed along, moving objects and opening the door. They stepped out in to the sw iftly approaching evening, and the promise of a bright and better day took form in the beauty of the coming sunset. Fiona’s steps lightened as they crossed the square to Kellach’s parents. Tanith’s door opened and an ecstatic Conan dashed out, Machar follow ing close behind. Siran and Tanith joined the group, their freely given w armth and love spread through her. Sheltered in the caring circle of these new friends, Fiona felt the w eight in her heart lessen. Tomorrow w ould be a better day.

Chapter Tw enty-Six For the next few w eeks, each day w as a repeat of the one before. Fiona had returned to her ow n bed, but w as comforted by the fact that Kellach w as alw ays near. Kellach w ould rise, eat, take care of his farming obligations and then train the new and seasoned soldiers until evening. Fiona w ould cook, clean, w ork w ith her patients and, w hen Kellach returned home, w ould ask him to take her home. Each time his answ er w as the same—no, there w as nothing there for her to see, and each time Fiona vow ed to try again. On one such evening, Kellach took out an instrument from his coffer. It reminded Fiona of a lute, having four strings and smaller than a guitar. He proceeded to play several haunting melodies w hile she listened. W hile he played, his mind drifted back to a conversation he had w ith Siran earlier in the day. “How is your quest going to w in Fiona’s heart?” Siran had asked. “Not as w ell as I w ould have it. She w ants me to take her back to w here w e found her. I have told her many times that there is nothing there, but she refuses to believe me. She thinks that by going back there, somehow she can return home.” “W hat w ould make her believe that, there is nothing there, I told her that as w ell.”

there, I told her that as w ell.” “No matter, she w ants to go back and there is no lack of w ill to her stubbornness and determination.” “So, take her back,” Siran said, as though such w as easily undertaken. “It is a long journey and w e w ould not find w hat she seeks even w ere w e to go,” Kellach remonstrated. “If you w ant her—bargain w ith her. Tell her you w ill take her but w hen you return, she must agree to become your w ife.” “Bargain w ith her?” “If you must. She is a w oman, give her w hat she w ants but let her know you expect something in return.” He grinned, “W hy do you think Tanith is so happy w ith me?” “I think Tanith know s not w hat a villain you are,” he joked and shoved Siran aw ay. “I do not think Fiona w ould agree to such a thing.” “You w on’t know until you try.” No, he w ouldn’t, Kellach admitted to himself as he played another melody, but how to go about trying . It surprised Fiona that he w as so talented, although, in all fairness, Tanith had already said so. This w as the Ruan that Tanith had spoken of. W hen the last note had faded, he carefully w rapped the instrument up and returned it to the coffer. “That w as so w onderful!” Tanith praised him, “I had no idea you w ere so accomplished.” “I am only a novice, though I enjoy playing from time to time,” he dow ngraded his abilities. “If you are only a novice, then w hat w ould a master sound like? Thank you for playing for me.” Smiling somew hat w ickedly, he acknow ledged her

Smiling somew hat w ickedly, he acknow ledged her approval w ith a small bow . “Music fills a soul w ith love and lust.” She laughed, “Love maybe, but lust?” “Did you not lust for me w hile I w as playing?” he teased. Unw illing to admit even a small amount of lust might have reared its ugly but interesting head, Fiona vigorously denied it, “I just enjoyed the music, you play beautifully, nothing more. I certainly didn’t feel lust!” He moved tow ards her, mindful of a cat stalking its prey. “Perhaps I didn’t try hard enough. Should I play some more?” He circled slow ly until he w as behind her. His hands moved to part the long silken moonlit strands flow ing dow n her back and his hands moved to lightly stroke the nape of her neck. A shiver deliciously tickled its w ay dow n her back and every fiber of her being w aited w ith anticipation for his next move. Her breath caught in her throat and her head dropped back to take pleasure in his touch. Long sensuous fingers cupped her face, her eyes closed and she reveled in the sensations he triggered. His breath brushed her cheek as he bent to nuzzle her neck. Planting a kiss on her forehead, he moved in front of her and sat dow n on the rug near her feet. Lounging carelessly, he played w ith Conan, seemingly unconcerned that her heart w as pounding and her breath w as coming in short pants. “Do your people bargain, is that acceptable in your society?” he casually asked. Did her people bargain?! How w as she going to explain the mall during a year-end clearance sale? “There’s nothing my people like more than a good bargain,” she said w arily. “W hy, w hat’s on your mind?”

“W hy, w hat’s on your mind?” “I have been considering a bargain w ith you, one that w ould be acceptable and beneficial to both of us.” She eyed him, his casualness w as studied and there w as more to this than he w as telling. “Go on,” she replied, “I’m listening.” He hesitated, carefully choosing his w ords, “You w ant me to take you back to w here I found you.” She nodded. “You know I do not believe that anything could come of this trip.” Again she nodded, her interest perked. “But I am w illing to make the journey on one condition,” he paused. Seconds ticked by and Fiona strained to hear his next comments. “W hat condition is that?” she burst out. “W hat do you w ant from me?” Gone w as the casual byplay, his eyes bored into hers, “W hen w e do not find w hat you seek and w e return, you w ill join w ith me and become my w ife.” He stated it bluntly, w ithout pretense. Fiona looked dow n at her hands, considering his offer. He w as offering her the chance to return home and in return, if that did not happen, she w ould become his w ife. She kept her eyes dow ncast, not w anting him to see the elation she w as experiencing. It w as a w in-w in situation. If she found w hat she w as looking for, she w ould be home and this w ould be behind her. If she didn’t find the door home, she w ould be stuck in this time and w hat better w ay to spend her time here than as Kellach’s w ife? Not a bad end if that w as the result. Instead of agreeing too quickly, she countered, “W hy can’t I just pay you, I have been saving—I have some money.” “I have no need of your money, I have more than

“I have no need of your money, I have more than enough already. I stated my terms, take them or not, it is your choice.” Taking her time, she gave the impression she w as seriously considering. Finally, clearing her throat, she coolly responded, “I accept the bargain on one condition. I have to be sure that you w ill put forth every effort to take me exactly to the place w here you originally found my tracks. That is w here I have to go. If you can agree to that, my answ er is ‘yes’.” Kellach let out his breath, unaw are that he had been holding it, so tense w as he aw aiting her reply. It w as done, the bargain w as made and the terms w ere set. All that remained now w as the doing. “We w ill leave tomorrow or perhaps the day after, as soon as w e can get everything assembled. W inter approaches and w e must make haste or the w eather w ill prevent our passage. I have calculated tw o days hard travel there, three days searching and tw o days return travel. It w ill be an arduous journey, but I w ill take you.” “I w ill be ready,” she promised, “nothing w ill stop me.” “Are you sure this is w hat you w ish to do? It w ill be dangerous and I cannot guarantee your safety.” “You w ould not let any harm come to me, I know that.” She felt totally safe w ith that statement, his skill as a w arrior w as the topic of many stories in the marketplace and few men did not fear him. “Be ready then, pack enough provisions for tw elve days in the event w e are delayed. I w ill see to the animals and men to accompany us.” One last thing needed to be settled, “Do I have to ride that nasty animal Tanith alw ays provides. He hates me!” Kellach burst out laughing, “I think I can find a more

me!” Kellach burst out laughing, “I think I can find a more suitable mount. That ‘nasty animal’ w as Tanith’s w hen she w as younger and he dislikes anyone but her.” “And she knew that, didn’t she? I’ll have to have a w ord w ith Tanith about her choice.” Amusement lifted Fiona’s lips, Tanith might be the best friend she had here, but she w as also a minx w hen it came to practical jokes. Kellach prepared to retire. “You best get some rest, tomorrow w ill be a busy day and there is much to do.” W ith that, he lay dow n and w as soon snoring softly. Fiona rested for a few minutes, relieved that she had finally convinced Kellach to take her back, and if everything w ent w ell, she could be home in less than a w eek. An unexpected spasm of pain shot through her. Kellach’s face w as turned tow ards her, peaceful in sleep. There w ould be no taking Kellach w ith her into the future. His place w as here and this is w here he belonged. He w ould never fit into her w orld and she w ould not try to make him. W hy did that make her feel so miserable? Leaving here w as w hat she w anted, w asn’t it? But leaving Kellach w as going to hurt a lot more than she cared to admit. Crossing the room to her little corner, she found herself w anting to turn and lie dow n beside him and do all the things she could only imagine. Shaking off such thoughts, she snuggled dow n and listened to Kellach’s sounds—long into the night.

Chapter Tw enty-Seven Preparations w ere rushed and on the morning of the second day, everyone gathered for their departure. Fiona’s nerves w ere stretched to the breaking point; so much to do in such a short time, and then there w as the neverending fear that the trip w ould be fruitless. Looking forw ard w ith trepidation, Fiona fluctuated from being ecstatic that Kellach had finally relented and sad at leaving everyone should she find w hat she sought. On the previous evening, Tanith, Siran and Machar had come over to bid her farew ell. Machar w as especially concerned about Conan’s w ell-being. “W ill you take Conan home w ith you?” he plaintively asked. Fiona had given some thought to this dilemma, “I w as going to ask you—w ould you be w illing to take care and love Conan if I don’t come back?” He nodded solemnly, “I w ill be the best friend he ever has.” A lump formed in her throat, “I knew I could count on you.” She had already discussed the matter w ith Tanith and it w as agreed that if Machar w anted to take over Conan’s care, Tanith w ould not disagree. “W hat if you do come back, w hat happens to Conan then?” Fiona thought for a moment before replying, “Well, if I

Fiona thought for a moment before replying, “Well, if I do come back, I thought w e could share Conan, since w e both love him so much. He w ill belong to both of us, and he needs a young friend to play w ith.” “We hope you do come back, don’t w e, Conan.” he addressed the little dog. Feeling teary, Fiona leaned dow n and hugged the little boy. “Perhaps it w ould be best if I kept Conan w ith me tonight since it might be the last time. Tomorrow morning can be early enough for you to start caring for him.” Tears spilled dow n Tanith’s face and even Siran’s usual good cheer w as missing. “I hope you find w hat you seek,” Tanith gulped, “but I w ould not be unhappy if you returned.” Siran nodded in agreement. “I know , but I have to at least try, do you understand w hy?” “I w ould do the same,” Tanith acknow ledged sadly. “I w ould not be happy so far aw ay from my ow n family.” Time for a group hug, and everyone participated. Soon after, Tanith’s little family returned home. Xio Li, Mei Mei and the baby stopped by and spent a few moments alone w ith her. “W hat Mei Mei and Xio Li do after you gone?” Obviously, Xio Li and Mei Mei w ere concerned about their status w ith Kellach if she w eren’t in the picture. “Kellach has agreed to sponsor you, he w ill care for and protect you as long as you feel it necessary in return for your help w ith the garden and other chores he w ill need taken care of. Mei Mei w ill help in cleaning the house and preparing food for Kellach.” It w as a good bargain, especially for Xio Li and Mei Mei. As long as they needed his help, Kellach w ould not deny them. Of her patients, Fiona

help, Kellach w ould not deny them. Of her patients, Fiona had no answ er. Sadly, only Ceara had show n any real interest in helping and she w as too young and inexperienced to take over. Fiona could only hope that Ceara w ould continue to learn, perhaps from the yellow healer, and in the future be able to resume her care. Fiona made a quick trip to Nuala and Baroc’s home and spent a few moments w ith Cyrnon. He w as doing very w ell, the leg almost healed and the lump on his head practically nonexistent. “He is a surly patient, he w ould be up and running if I but let him,” Nuala fondly complained. “He does not know how to sit for long periods.” Cyrnon w as frustrated that he w ould be left behind again. That did not set w ell w ith him. “I should be one of the guards escorting you,” he complained. “Taking care of you is my duty.” “You aren’t ready yet for such a long trip and Kellach assures me it w ill be very fast and w e w ill all suffer for it.” Cyrnon admitted this w as so, “W inter soon approaches and you do not w ant to be caught aw ay from the settlement w hen the snow s come.” “W ill that happen soon?” “It is early yet, and Kellach w ould not agree to the trip if he felt concerned.” Cyrnon did not appear as if the w eather w ere troubling so Fiona decided to ignore any unease she might have about that. She had enough to w orry about as it w as. Giving Cyrnon a kiss, w hich he returned w ith a little more fervor than she anticipated, she extricated herself and turned to leave. The old couple w ished her w ell and promised to look out for Cyrnon. Her personal life in order, all that w as left w as last minute preparations and then the journey. There w as

minute preparations and then the journey. There w as nothing else to do. A large crow d came out to speed them on their w ay. Kellach had not spoken a w ord to her all morning, and she w ondered if he w as regretting his promise. He left for a w hile and w hen he returned, he w as joined by six of his men and their horses and gear, as w ell as a string of horses to be used as pack animals. Tanith’s nasty little animal, thankfully, did not appear to be part of the procession, for w hich Fiona w as eternally grateful. Kellach led a pretty little brow n mare over and helped her mount. “She is spirited but gentle,” he said. “I w ould not w orry w ere Machar to ride her. Do you still w ish to make this journey?” Fiona’s lips tightened to stem the trembling w hich suddenly appeared, “I do,” she w hispered, “but in a perfect life, I w ould stay.” His eyes darkened and, w ithout another w ord, he sw ung up upon his horse and cantered aw ay, his men follow ing. Fiona bestow ed one last look at her friends, a sob threatening to erupt. It w as a dow ncast group that w atched as she fell in behind the men. Conan w hined and barked and pulled at his leash so hard that Tanith had to restrain him. His beloved mistress w as leaving and he desperately w anted to go w ith her. “I know , little one,” Tanith murmured as she held him, “but she might return.” Once outside the settlement, Fiona relaxed and vow ed to enjoy the ride. She made a quick scrutiny of the area and noted that the open spaces beyond the settlement w ere almost devoid of the encampments of the great caravans. As soon as the heat had cooled sufficiently to allow crossing the great desert, many of the caravans

to allow crossing the great desert, many of the caravans had departed. Now , only a few late travelers remained. A crisp w ind blew from the north and the smells of autumn w ere in the air. Kellach moved the group along at a brisk pace and only stopped for short breaks to allow the horses to rest. Not being much of a horsew oman and having very little liking for horse riding anyw ay, Fiona lagged behind several times until Kellach finally took her reins and pulled her along behind him. Actually, she liked it better that w ay. She could just sit back and enjoy the ride, and let him w orry about going the right direction; if having the insides of her thighs rubbed raw and burning came under the definition of “enjoy.” By late afternoon, she w as pretty sure she w ould never w alk again. How these guys managed to keep going and act as though nothing bothered them w as beyond her. Finally, after she decided that they w ere never going to stop, Kellach called a halt. Everyone else got dow n and busied themselves setting up camp. Fiona sat w here she w as until Kellach w alked back to her. “You can dismount now , w e w ill spend the night here. My men w ould like a w arm meal.” He w aited for her next move. Fiona silently made an oath to save Kellach’s death for last—let him w atch the others suffer before she did him in. Having no other recourse but to get off the horse, she calculated her chances of survival by just falling off, w hich seemed the easiest w ay right now . Slow ly she tried to unstick her legs from the saddle—amazing how , in only one long day, her skin had grow n attached. Kellach still stood there, making no attempt to help. Okay, this w as going to hurt, but unless she w anted to spend the night atop this w retched animal, she’d better

to spend the night atop this w retched animal, she’d better figure out a w ay to get off. After w hat seemed like an eternity, Kellach reached up and lifted her dow n—and dow n she w ent, in a huddle on the ground. Her legs had become lumps of jelly, the bones having miraculously dissolved. Perhaps this w as a new entry for the annals of medicine! The short trips to the yellow people’s village w ere nothing compared to the agony she w as suffering after one day of travel. Her butt felt as though it had totally flattened; might be a good thing to remember later on in life w hen her butt w ouldn’t fit through a door. She could ride horses for fun and entertainment. Interesting thought! W hile all these meandering ideas skipped through her mind, Kellach stood there, w atching and w aiting. Well, guess she better craw l to the fire pit and get something started, after all, this w as her idea! Nope, w asn’t going to happen! She w as just going to lie there until w eeds covered her body. A fitting end for a practitioner of natural medicine, although perhaps instead of w eeds, medicinal herbs w ould be more appropriate. Finally, Kellach drew a deep breath and hauled her to her feet, at least she thought it w as to her feet. Other than the aching, burning thighs, feeling below her belt had vanished. “Mayhap rest w ould be a better choice for you,” and w ith that, he flung her over his shoulder and stomped to the fire. Durlach had chosen to accompany Kellach and he w as busily tending the blaze. A grin lit his face w hen Kellach thumped Fiona dow n next to him. “I have some strong liniment in my pack and I w ould be agreeable to rubbing your thighs dow n,” he said archly. Kellach grow led an oath. Fiona sighed, although the offer w as a very tempting one, she didn’t think Kellach

offer w as a very tempting one, she didn’t think Kellach w ould approve and she w as in enough hot w ater w ith him anyw ay w ithout adding to the problem. “It’s a w onderful offer, but I think no. Maybe I can borrow some of your liniment and rub it on by myself.” “Half the pleasure is in having someone else do the w ork for you,” Durlach continued, unaffected by Kellach’s scow ls and rumblings. “I only w ish to please you and I offer myself as your servant.” Fiona burst out laughing. The guy’s gall w as impressive, but unless he w as w illing to deal w ith Kellach, being her “servant” w as not going to be an issue. “No, I think I’d just better handle it myself, for both our ow n good.” Kellach relaxed and began preparing hot w ater. Durlach’s lips quirked in amusement and though he w as not along as the cook, he accepted the duty w illingly and soon had a meal prepared. From across the fire, Kellach surreptitiously w atched Fiona. It w as obvious that she w as totally exhausted and sore from the day’s ride. In truth, he had pushed them harder than w as w arranted; in part, because of the need to finish the journey before the w inter storms came, but mostly because he hoped that she w ould falter under the rigors of the trip and forego traveling any further. Such w as not the case. No w ords of complaint passed her lips, but her expression said enough. No doubt, w hatever pains she w as experiencing now w ould be doubled after tomorrow ’s ride. She w as helping Durlach the best she w as able, but her movements w ere stiff and she w inced in pain on more than one occasion. Something w ould have to be done or she w ould never be able to endure the journey and then she w ould not forgive him for her failure. No matter w hat,

she w ould not forgive him for her failure. No matter w hat, he w ould be in the w rong. Later that evening, some feeling had returned to Fiona’s legs. W hether that w as a good thing w as still out for vote by the committee. She halfw ay considered taking Durlach up on his offer, but knew better than to push Kellach any farther than she already had. She helped Durlach as much as she could, but her top speed w as only a w ide-legged hobble. No w onder cow boys w ere so bow legged! God, w hat if her legs stayed like that, she w ouldn’t even have to spread her legs to mount, she’d just stand there and w ait for the horse to run through. Consideration had not been taken for her privacy issues and needing desperately to find a big bush, she moved aw ay from the fire, her back and legs protesting at every step. Kellach moved quickly from the fire and confronted her, “W here do you think you are going?” “If it’s any of your concern, I need to have some privacy,” embarrassed that she even had to mention it. “I w ill come w ith you.” “I don’t think so,” she intoned, “this isn’t a group participation activity.” “It w ould be too dangerous for you to venture out alone.” “I w on’t go very far, just far enough so I have a little privacy. Or w ould you rather I just squatted dow n here and provided entertainment for the masses?” Kellach’s lips tightened, but his eyes w ere sparkling. “I w ill come w ith you and scout the area and then I w ill stay near in case you have need of me.” “Surprise! I have been doing this by myself for a very long time. I don’t think I w ill ‘need’ you, but if you are

long time. I don’t think I w ill ‘need’ you, but if you are determined to accompany me, I guess it’s w hat w e’ll do.” Exasperated, she marched ahead, her march somew hat hindered by the stiffness in her legs. Returning to the fire, Kellach directed her to the tent he had erected earlier, the only tent in the w hole camp. It w as more like a piece of heavy cloth or felt on sticks, but better than being out in the open. A bed of skins covered by blankets provided a comfortable if lumpy bed and w as probably more than the men w ould have. Her few personal items w ere already inside and a bow l of w ater had been provided for her use. Someone had thoughtfully left a clay pot full of some greasy stuff smelling of w ild yam and ginger, both long know n for their properties in treating arthritis and other bodily aches and pains. W hoever it w as, she appreciated their gift. Groaning, she managed to remove her boots and then her outerw ear. She had “borrow ed” a pair of pants from Cyrnon, since he w as the only male she knew anyw here near her size. Over those, she had w orn a leather skirt and a cotton tunic, covered by a w armer w ool one and then a heavier drape for added w armth. W hen she had removed all but the cotton under-tunic, she began to rub the w ild yam concoction into the insides of her thighs. The balm stung at first but the longer it w as on, the more it soothed. The tent flap w as draw n back and Kellach entered. Startled, she hastily pulled the tunic dow n and glared at him, “You could at least ask before you enter.” Kellach took the pot of liniment from her hands, motioning for her to roll over. “Some things are better done by another.” For the first time that day, he smiled at her and, astonishingly, she felt better already. It w as ridiculous how much he affected her, just looking at him

ridiculous how much he affected her, just looking at him caused her stomach to clench and her senses to heighten. “I can do it myself,” she said, reaching to take the pot back. “You w on’t relax unless you let me do it,” his eyes glittered suspiciously, “or w ould you rather I call Durlach.” The thought of a massage w as too w onderful to reject and, know ing it w as completely a w rong move, she flopped over onto her stomach, stretched out, and prepared to enjoy. Besides, having Kellach so near w as too good to miss. Kellach started w ith her feet and slow ly w orked his w ay up her calves, kneading and manipulating each muscle until it relaxed under his ministrations. The only illumination in the tent came from the fire outside and he w orked almost exclusively by touch. By the time he reached her thighs, he w as finding it hard to concentrate on w hat he w as doing. Her skin felt like silk and she w as responding to his touch w ith groans and little sighs of contentment. He pushed her tunic higher, causing her to jerk. She turned and glared at him over her shoulder. “I think that’s about high enough,” she muttered, her face flushing to the point he could see it even in the darkened confines of the tent. “If you w ant to hurt w orse tomorrow than you do today, I w ill stop, but the pain w ill not get better.” He continued to massage his w ay slow ly higher, a sheen of perspiration forming on his upper lip. Heat inside the tent had built w ith each passing moment and he w as not immune to its seductive w armth. Taking some small advantage, he leisurely rubbed dow n the insides of her thighs, his fingers slipping cunningly into her folds at opportune moments. Each time, she w ould roll her hips, attempting to adjust, until, finally, she flipped completely

attempting to adjust, until, finally, she flipped completely over, forcing his hands aw ay. “Correct me if I’m w rong, but I think you’re enjoying this w ay too much,” she said, her voice low and husky w ith desire. Her eyes w ere darkened pools in the dimly lit interior and he ached to lie beside her. “W ould you have me stop?” He w aited expectantly. She lay there, leaning on her elbow s, her legs slightly spread, “My heart does not,” she w hispered, “but my head says that it w ill only make parting harder if I find the door home.” Anger erupted, “Door! W hat do you mean by ‘door?’ There is no door there, unless your people live like animals w ho burrow underground!” “That’s not w hat I meant. I only meant that perhaps I can find something that w ould point the w ay home,” she said softly, hoping to diffuse the pending storm. “There is nothing there, but you w ill see that soon enough. I w ould not have lied to you!” “I didn’t think you w ould, but until I see for myself, I can’t let it go.” Her face pleaded for him to understand. Reluctantly, he acquiesced, his anger deflated by her calm. “I w ill take you as I said I w ould, and I w ill not force myself upon you again,” he made to leave. Shocked by his palpable misunderstanding, Fiona moved to kneel in front of him, “Don’t ever feel that w ay! Don’t ever think you ‘forced’ yourself on me. There w as never any force!” Hesitantly, she reached out and gently caressed his face, her hands soothing him w ith their touch. Face to face, they regarded each other—her face w as soft and beguiling, his w as closed and hard, his eyes bleak. Somew here deep inside, Fiona’s resolve melted, and pure unadulterated lust bloomed in the aftermath. “Stay w ith

unadulterated lust bloomed in the aftermath. “Stay w ith me,” she w hispered, “let us have this one night together.” “Do not ask me unless you truly mean w hat you say,” he grow led. “I w ill not stop again.” And neither w ould she, gone w as the trembling girl w ho feared giving herself w holly to any man. W hat w as left w as a w oman w ho w anted and needed this man, unconditionally, if only for one night. She reached behind Kellach and dropped the open tent flap, surrounding them in complete darkness, her body pressed temptingly against him. Inhaling deeply, he w aited for her to proceed further, unw illing to chance breaking the moment by making any unw elcome advances. Fiona dreamily ran her hands lightly dow n Kellach’s chest, reveling in the hard muscles and breadth of his shoulders. His scent once again assailed her, the man oozed pheromones from every pore and she w as not unaffected by his blatant maleness. Taking her time, w anting each moment to last, she stroked each contour, familiarizing herself w ith every nuance of his form. Kellach remained still, allow ing her to explore as she w ished. Finally, w hen he knew he w ould be unable to endure any further, she pulled dow n his head and opened her lips to him. A raging hunger engulfed him and he plundered her mouth w ith his ow n. Tonight he w ould not be denied, this night belonged to them, w hatever happened tomorrow . He felt as though he w ere drow ning, and only she had the pow er to save him. Gone w as the offending tunic, her bare skin w as the softest he had ever touched. Fiona’s mind w hirled, sensation after sensation pulsated and only Kellach existed for her at that moment. An ache grew in her breast and spread dow n to her secret place, thrumming to the rhythm that w as Kellach. He pressed fully against her, his manhood erect and ready. The

pressed fully against her, his manhood erect and ready. The barest moment of alarm cautioned her by the mere size of him, but only for a moment, as she arched her body, begging for his touch. His mouth w as everyw here, licking and teasing, until she thought she w ould die from w anting him. A hand caressed her inner thigh, and she bucked in response w hen he slid tw o fingers in, testing her readiness all the w hile rubbing circles w ith his thumb, increasing her tension. Her legs parted of their ow n accord, w anting the release only he could give. “Please,” she panted, her voice almost unrecognizable as her ow n, “I need you now .” His mouth returned to hers, his tongue sw irling in unison w ith his finger, building her craving for his touch until stars exploded. Fiona stiffened as w ave after w ave of desire w ashed over her. A w ail surfaced from deep w ithin her and Kellach caught it in his mouth w hile he deepened his kiss, covering the sound of her release. W hen the last rush ended, Fiona lay limply, totally replete, having experienced her first true orgasm. Kellach had only begun. He rolled over, pulling her on top, reaching up to mold her breasts w hile at the same time sliding dow n so that he could gain access, his tongue thrusting and probing. Fiona’s breath quickened until, her head throw n back in ecstasy, her body convulsed once again. Easing dow n, her long hair cascading over his body, she moved against him, a gentle rocking motion, urging him on. Flipping her over, he gazed into her face, sensuous in the flickering light of the candle. Fiona moved her hands slow ly dow n until she cupped his length, marveling at the size and satin feel of his member, stroking softly. He w aited, allow ing her to explore as she desired. “No w onder your name is mentioned so

as she desired. “No w onder your name is mentioned so frequently in the marketplace,” she w hispered. His lips claimed hers in a long, demanding kiss. “Women gossip, but few really know of w hat they speak,” grinning w ickedly. Spreading her legs, Fiona positioned him at her opening. Triumph flashed across his face. Moving slow ly, he entered her silken sheath, so tight and hot and ready for him, forcing himself to take his time. Stunned, he paused as a barrier stopped his progress. “You’re a virgin!” he said accusingly. “I never said I w asn’t,” she w hispered huskily. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Don’t be,” she replied, rubbing her hands dow n his face. W ith one quick, hard thrust, the barrier w as breached. A small gasp of pain w renched itself from her lips. He w aited, allow ing her body to adjust, until she lifted against him, digging her heels into the bed, impaling herself further and moving against him. Plunging in, again and again, sw eat dripping from Kellach’s brow as hunger overw helmed him, craving w hat only she could give. Higher and higher he climbed, loving her w ith every part of him. Moaning and crying and w illing him on, Fiona gasped his name as she came again. Kellach threw back his head, shouting as he spilled his seed, pulsing over and over and, finally, collapsing dow n on her. They lay panting, astonished by the heights both had reached. Kellach rolled to the side, gathering her against him, pressing light kisses to her brow . Gone w as the last vestige of doubt Fiona had. Gone w as the loneliness and frustration of the earlier years. In high school, w hen her friends had giggled and dreamed of fumbling around in the back seat of their boyfriends’ cars

fumbling around in the back seat of their boyfriends’ cars after the prom, she had taken her cousin to the dance; and in college, w hile other girls partied and changed boyfriends as easily as they changed underw ear, her time had been taken up w ith studying and w orking, leaving little time for personal relationships, other than the few “Alfreds” that had surfaced occasionally. For her, this moment w as the culmination of everything she had ever desired. Kellach pulled Fiona even closer, molding his body to hers, her bottom pressed against him, fitting perfectly. His hand began a leisurely exploration, memorizing each curve and nuance of her form. Pausing at her breast, he massaged and pinched the nipple until it peaked in response. Fiona stiffened, desire rising again. His manhood lifted in response, hard and probing. “Do you never get tired?” she asked, pretending annoyance. “W here some things are concerned—never,” he replied. Nor did he—again and even again. Kellach rose early, the sky had just barely started to lighten w hen he left the w armth of the tent. Fiona still slept, burrow ed dow n in the covers, no doubt fatigued from yesterday’s ride and the fact that he had kept her aw ake most of the night. For himself, he had never felt better! A few of his men w ere up and about as w ell, and sly grins follow ed him w herever he w ent. “I could barely sleep,” Durlach said loudly, feigning a yaw n, “too much noise all night long coming from yon tent.” He looked long and hard at Kellach, and snickers paid tribute to his brashness. Kellach’s mouth tw itched in response. Durlach tried again, “I thought to offer my assistance to Fiona since it appears her sleep w as troubled. Had I attended her, she w ould have slept easier long before she

attended her, she w ould have slept easier long before she did,” he bragged. Eyes dropped and smirks covered most of the faces in attendance. Kellach turned to Durlach, his face promising retribution, and responded, “Had your assistance been accepted, there w ould not have been nearly as much noise and then only for a very short period of time.” Durlach’s eyes popped and his mouth dropped open. Having dealt out the subtle punishment, Kellach smugly resumed his rounds, laughing to himself. Men’s laughter w oke Fiona from a deep sleep. She stretched, memories of the night racing through her mind. Good grief, she thought, how am I going to face anyone out there? From the sounds of things, something had everyone quite amused. Hopefully it w as not at her expense. Kellach’s side of the bed w as still w arm to the touch, so he hadn’t been gone for very long. She cuddled dow n, enjoying the w armth he left behind. Everyone out there w as busily readying for the ride w hile she lazed about. Fiona w inced, mentally despairing about getting on that miserable animal again. Her legs did feel better but she held little hope that the long ride today w ould improve things. W hat she w ouldn’t do for a big cup of coffee right now , and the morning paper—just some paper, any kind w ould be good! Never before did she realize how much she depended on toilet paper. A modern invention that w as not easily replaced. Heaving a sigh, she threw back the covers and dressed quickly, shivering in the chill morning air. She combed out her hair and braided it in one long braid, and then cleaned her teeth, grumbling as she used the present day answ er to a toothbrush—a chew stick! A chew stick, as it w as termed, w as usually just a tw ig that w as soaked to soften the fibers and then mashed

tw ig that w as soaked to soften the fibers and then mashed and used to rub around teeth. Not very effective from her point of view and probably one of the reasons that dental disease w as so common. One of these days, if she w as stuck here, she w as going to have a real toothbrush made. How hard could that be? Men w ere hurrying back and forth as she craw led from the tent. Catching sight of her, Kellach offered a hot cup of tea, his gaze softening. Warmth permeated her as she returned his look. “You should have w akened me w hen you got up.” “I thought you needed the rest,” he said low , his voice husky and adding w eight to the comment. “I w on’t argue the point,” she conceded quietly, “but I don’t w ant anyone to think I am not doing my part. This is for my benefit, after all.” His eyes tw inkled, “There have been benefits for me as w ell.” Fiona flushed, hoping no one else had overheard the comment. She glanced surreptitiously around but everyone seemed bent on some particular task and did not appear to be privy to their conversation. She relaxed somew hat until Durlach strode up, a mischievous smirk on his face, “I see you are finally up. Did some small thing keep you aw ake last night. You look tired this morn.” Fiona prayed for the ground to open up and sw allow her, but w ould have been happy to find a rock large enough to craw l under. Her face furiously red, she attempted to respond casually, “I don’t know w hat you mean?” “I w as kept aw ake myself by strange noises. I am unsure w hether there w as a large feline yow ling at the moon or a w ild boar grunting as he rooted.” His face belied

moon or a w ild boar grunting as he rooted.” His face belied the innocent posture of his comment. God, if I am going to die soon, she prayed, now w ould be a good time. Kellach cleared his throat, “Those noises, as you call them, w ere me show ing you w hat a real man can do, even under the most inhospitable circumstances. You w ould do w ell to pay attention, but only experience can forge the man.” Durlach laughed, undaunted by Kellach’s remark. “‘Tis true, every man must learn. I w ill make it a point to listen in at every possible moment.” Kellach snorted and turned aw ay, Durlach w as too clever by far. Camp needed to be broken and he had other things to do beside fence w ith the young w help, even though the game w as challenging. Another time; w hen Fiona w as not present.

Chapter Tw enty-Eight A cold breeze w as gusting, a foreshadow ing of the coming w inter. Kellach’s face lifted to the north, reading the w inds and the sky, hoping the w eather cooperated until they returned home. Time to make haste. A quick breakfast w as had of dried meat and flat bread w ashed dow n w ith hot tea and, in no time, the animals w ere saddled, loaded and w aiting to go. Kellach again led Fiona’s mount to her. This time, extra padding had been added to the saddle along w ith a heavy blanket draped dow n both sides to add protection for her legs. “Just be careful you don’t fall off,” Kellach advised, “the padding is not secured to the saddle.” Just great! Now she had to w orry about falling off along w ith everything else! She appreciated his thoughtfulness, though. Kellach lifted her up and w aited w hile she settled in and then w rapped a huge cape around her. Each of the other riders also w rapped a heavy cape around himself and dow n the sides of his mount, trapping heat generated by the horse. They had been follow ing a course near the base of the southern range of mountains and it w as decidedly cooler today. Kellach started out and everyone fell in line. Fiona w as determined that this time she w ould keep pace and the ornery horse w ould do w hat she w anted w hen she w anted it to. They traveled hard and fast again, Kellach’s concern

They traveled hard and fast again, Kellach’s concern about the changing w eather affecting all of them. By late afternoon, they reached the point w here Kellach had originally found her. They took a short rest and w hile they did, she looked around, but there w as nothing there, nothing to help her. “We should reach the place of rocks w here you first rested by nightfall.” Kellach came up behind her, “do you see anything that w ould help you remember?” “No, nothing here, but my memories are so disjointed, I hardly remember being here, only small bits and pieces.” “Perhaps as w e near w here I first found your tracks, your memory w ill open up.” “Maybe, but I’m not overly hopeful.” The rest w as over and once again they made fast time, through endless expanses of open ground, stretching on and on. Mountains loomed in the distance, to the east and north, as w ell as the southern range they had been follow ing. This area w as a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides, an enormous basin, but a basin all the same, and the central area w as a vast desert. They crossed w ater courses, mostly dry this time of year or too muddy for human consumption. Thankfully, because of the colder w eather, insects w ere not a big problem. Fiona had come prepared w ith an elixir of pennyroyal repellent just in case. The w ind w as a constant irritant and it w as a badtempered group that finally reached the place of rocks. After dismounting, Fiona w andered around, looking for any clues. There by a larger rock w as the small pile of stones she had thought to use to fight off animals. How pathetic they seemed to her clear and rational mind, but they had been her salvation that aw ful night. “You slept there,” Kellach pointed to a large rock.

Kellach pointed to a large rock. “How do you know that? W hat w as it that you saw ?” He shrugged, “I but saw the signs, or things w ere not as they should be.” He made it sound so simple. “We should make camp, the light w ill be gone soon and it w ill be much colder tonight.” “W ill you stay w ith me again?” she blurted out. His eyes bored into her, “Are you asking me?” Suddenly shy, she ducked her head, “I…I…yes, if you really w ant to.” He reached for her. “I do,” he said nuzzling her hair, “for w hatever amount of time w e have, I w ant to share it w ith you.” More tents w ere erected, the men less w illing this night to sleep out in the cold. Durlach once again started the evening meal, although Fiona w as moving about better and more able to do a share of the w ork. Animals w ere fed and hobbled and guards w ere posted. By the time full dark had fallen, Fiona w as fully ready to retire. She lit a small oil lamp at the fire and craw led into the tent, happy to be out of the cold w ind. Tomorrow they w ould reach the point w here Kellach first found her tracks and the real search w ould begin. He had promised her three days’ time to search and she w as excited and nervous about the prospect. Everything she knew and w anted w as back home —or w as it? How w as she to give up Kellach so easily if it came to that? Despair settled in—she could not have it both w ays. The tent flap lifted and Kellach entered, cold air follow ing him. He secured the flap and began to undress. He looked at her expectantly and she slow ly follow ed suit, climbing into the cold covers, shivering in anticipation. Nervously she w aited, w ould he come to her or w ould he

Nervously she w aited, w ould he come to her or w ould he w ithhold himself as before, expecting her to make the first move? W ithout preamble, he took her into his arms, his w armth w elcomed in the chilly bed. The night w as a repeat of the previous one. Kellach w as almost insatiable and taught Fiona w hat true desire w as. His touch started raging fires that only he could quench. Kellach seemed to w ant to fill a lifetime in tw o short nights. Perhaps he did believe her somew hat. The next day, Kellach found the spot w here he first came upon Fiona’s tracks. The w ind had blow n aw ay any sign that might have been there, but Kellach knew the land and this w as the place. They made camp and several of the riders fanned out, searching for anything unusual. Circling slow ly outw ard, they searched for hours until dark began to fall. Nothing of any consequence w as found during their search. Kellach had not forgotten his promise and tomorrow they w ould resume the search. At the end of the three days, if they had found nothing, they w ould return to the settlement and if Fiona w as true to her w ord, a w edding w as in the offing. Depressed by the first day of failure, Fiona w as nonetheless eager to aid in the search and tomorrow , w hether Kellach w anted her to or not, she w ould take part. There had to be something there, something not fitting w ithin Kellach’s or his men’s experience, something perhaps only she w ould understand. Tired and feeling dirty, Fiona heated w ater at the fire and retired to her tent to w ash. Her hair w ould have to w ait, she had no w ay to dry it and didn’t w ant to have w et hair w hen it turned so cold at night. She had just finished up w hen Kellach entered the tent, his eyes lingering appreciatively. “Do you think w e w ill have any luck tomorrow ,” she

“Do you think w e w ill have any luck tomorrow ,” she asked hopefully. Not w anting to disappoint her and doubting their chances in any event, he carefully chose his w ords, “I cannot say, only time w ill tell, but if there is something to find, w e w ill find it.” For three days they searched the surrounding terrain. Over and over again, they covered the same ground, looking for anything that might seem out of place or different. Each night, the answ er w as the same—nothing. By the end of the third day, Fiona w as ready to admit defeat. She could not fault Kellach’s or his men’s unfailing determination and perseverance, even though she knew that none of them truly believed they w ould find anything. They had tried and they had failed. It w as time to return to the settlement. That night, Fiona shed tears, certain now that she could never return to her home and this place w ould be her future. So despondent w as she, that Kellach only held her that night, his closeness a balm to her sore heart. Sleep eluded her until the early hours of the morning and w hen she finally did sleep, nightmares plagued her. W hen morning finally came, she w as tired and listless, unable to shake the melancholy that gripped her. The men w ere unusually quiet as they broke dow n the camp, affected as w ell by the gloomy atmosphere. Kellach urged the small band to hurry along, the signs w ere too abundant to ignore the fact that a w inter storm approached. He could only pray that it w ould hold off until they reached home. Concern for Fiona w as uppermost in his thoughts, she had been too silent since they began the journey back. W henever she did deign to speak to him, her eyes registered sadness and defeat. Perhaps w hen they

eyes registered sadness and defeat. Perhaps w hen they returned to the settlement, and she w as nearer to Tanith and her other close relationships, the spark w ould return. He w ould not press her, some things only time could heal. For himself, he w as not unhappy w ith the turn of events. Each day of the journey had been a trial for him, w ondering if that w as the day Fiona w ould leave. The promise he made w as not forgotten and he and his men had searched long and hard to no avail. But their failure left its mark on her and he w ondered if she w ould hold it against him. The w ind w as blow ing harsh and cold and the long cape w as truly appreciated. The ride w ould have been harder to endure w ithout its w armth and the w armth of the horse below her. Her legs and behind w ere much better, Fiona decided, either that or they w ere long past the point of having any sensation left. She w as becoming a seasoned rider as w ell, no longer did she fear climbing on the animal. The little mare grew accustomed to her touch, and along w ith the small tidbits Fiona fed her, they w ere almost friends. Good thing, too, since it appeared she w as stuck here. She glanced ahead, her eyes finding Kellach easily. He rode ahead frequently, scouting the land and keeping an eye out for bandits or any other possible perils that could be aw aiting them. It w ould be good to be back to the settlement. Never fully expecting to return, she w as finding it hard to be her usual self. Kellach appeared to understand and did not push her or rebuke her about the trip being totally useless. No “I told you so’s” from him! From the w ay Kellach w as pushing the group, he w as getting more w orried every minute that they w ould not reach the settlement before the storm hit.

Chapter Tw enty-Nine The tw o days’ travel time back w ere a blur and it w as a thankful group that finally entered the confines of the settlement on the late evening of the second day. As they neared Kellach’s abode, Tanith’s little family came out, expectation and delight at seeing Fiona creased all their faces. Conan w ent crazy, running around the horses’ hooves and Fiona w as afraid he w ould get stepped on in his frenzied exhilaration at seeing her. Nothing to be done but get dow n and cuddle him for a few minutes; w hile he thoroughly w ashed her face, his brow n eyes happy and adoring. Machar threw himself around her, hugging Conan as w ell, “We missed you, didn’t w e, Conan?” he said to the puppy. “W e w ere afraid you w eren’t coming back.” “I’m happy to see you, too,” Fiona said, clasping them both tightly. “I didn’t w ant to leave tw o of my favorite people.” “I can’t say that I am unhappy you are back,” Tanith added her hug to the rest. “I am sorry, though, that you did not find w hat you sought.” Even Cyrnon had joined the group, looking totally fit and smiling, his eyes clear and alert. Kellach’s parents w ere there as w ell as numerous servants and laborers. Kellach still sat atop his horse, w atching their w elcomes, “We did not find anything, though w e searched a large area, and now ,” he paused dramatically, “w e have a w edding to plan.” W ith

he paused dramatically, “w e have a w edding to plan.” W ith that, he turned and led the animals aw ay. Fiona stood, her mouth hanging open. This w as the first mention of their bargain he had made since they day they made it. Tanith squealed and clapped her hands, obviously excited by the turn of events. Siran laughed as w ell and everyone appeared pleased. Collecting herself, Fiona turned to the happy group, “I don’t know w hat to say, but I guess w e have a w edding to plan.” But for the disappointments of the trip, this w ould have been a w onderful moment. After the horses had been stabled and fed, Kellach returned to the house, apprehensive about the reception he w ould get from Fiona. She w as busily unpacking and paused w hen he entered, “That w as quite an announcement you made.” He w as unable to gauge her reaction to his declaration by the tone of her voice. “You might have at least given me some time to get used to the idea before you told everyone.” Kellach stiffened, “The bargain w as made, I carried out my end of the bargain, now it’s your turn.” “I w asn’t trying to avoid my end of the deal, I just w ould have liked a little more time.” She turned aw ay, continuing w ith the unpacking. “Can I ask you something?” W hen he didn’t reply, she continued, “I grew up w ith the idea of having a fancy w edding, w ith all the attendants and music and dancing, and flow er girls—the w orks. How is a w edding celebrated here?” He visibly relaxed, “W ith music and dancing and lots of w ine and food.” “Do you mind if I plan my w edding based on the customs I am used to?”

customs I am used to?” “It makes no matter to me,” he replied, “the end result is still the same.” She laughed, “I w onder how you w ill look w earing a tuxedo. ” “Tuxedo ? W hat is a t uxedo, and w hy do I need to w ear such a thing?” “Never mind, I doubt w e could find someone w ho sells them anyw ay. But just to be sure, you w ill let me plan it the w ay I w ant it, right?” “W hatever you decide, I w ill do, it makes no difference to me.” Oh yes it w ill, Fiona mentally grinned, by the time I get through w ith you, you just might regret this w hole thing. “Oh, and by the w ay, I w ill be returning to my ow n bed. W here I come from, the bride doesn’t sleep w ith the groom until their w edding night.” “We have already slept together, so that is unnecessary,” he strongly objected. “It’s necessary to me. I am sleeping in my ow n bed until our w edding night.” Scow ling, he replied, “Then you best make the w edding soon, I do not plan to sleep alone for long.” “Oh, and another thing, the groom usually gives his prospective bride an engagement ring. I w ould like to have one as soon as possible and then w hen w e are married, w e have matching gold bands as w ell.” Kellach dropped his head. “Your customs are very different. W hat does this engagement ring look like?” “Oh, lots of gold, and usually some sort of gemstone… diamonds preferably.” “I do not know w hat this diamond is,” he sounded

“I do not know w hat this diamond is,” he sounded miserable. Fiona turned aw ay, hiding her smile. “And w e w ill need to invite all your friends and family, and the night before w e get married, w e w ill have to have a rehearsal dinner w ith all the w edding party in attendance. I w ill also need to make a new dress, a long w hite dress for the ceremony. I don’t know ,” she tapped her lips, “can anyone here make a layered cake of some sort?” Kellach shook his head as if clearing his mind, “Your customs take much into account. I do not know if w e can do all this on such short notice.” “You w ill just have to do the best you can,” she teased him. “I need to run dow n and check on Xio Li, Mei Mei and the baby. I w on’t be gone long.” W ith a hundred things w hirling around in his brain, Kellach began to doubt his rash behavior in announcing the w edding. This w as not as he had planned. To his mind, a short period to prepare and a quick joining ceremony w ere all that w as required. Fiona, on the other hand, seemed set on causing havoc in his w ell-ordered life and the fact that she w as adamant about returning to her ow n bed did not sit w ell w ith him. It did not appear he had much choice in the matter, she w as fulfilling the terms of their bargain and he had to accept.

Chapter Thirty Fiona made her w ay dow n to the hut occupied by Xio Li and Mei Mei. Xio Li greeted her excitedly and offered her tea. Disturbingly, Mei Mei and the baby w ere missing. “W here is Mei Mei and the baby?” Xio Li hung her head, “They gone, Chen take them aw ay. He have to leave to hide from Voadicia’s soldiers and w ant Mei Mei to come. He go to land in east. He make good living there and can care for Mei Mei and baby good, but no room for Xio Li.” Tears formed in her eyes and spilled dow n her cheeks. Fiona’s heart w ent out to her. Mei Mei and the baby w ere all she had and the loss must have devastated her. “Well, I am sorry that they had to leave, but I am grateful you could stay. I don’t know w hat I w ould do w ithout you,” she consoled Xio Li. Xio Li’s face brightened, “Not w ant to leave this home,” she said, “only good home Xio Li ever have. W orry for Mei Mei though.” “Well, Chen is a good man and I am sure they w ill be fine. I don’t think he w ill let anything happen to either one of them.” Fiona said a silent prayer that she w as right. Saying goodnight to Xio Li, Fiona hurried back. It had been a very long day and sleeping in a real bed w ould be w onderful. Kellach had already retired by the time she returned and only grumpily acknow ledged her w hen she came in. Fiona grinned, w ondering how long the ruse

came in. Fiona grinned, w ondering how long the ruse w ould w ork before he exploded. “You have tw elve days,” she heard him say. “W hat?” He turned over, “You have tw elve days until the w edding and not a second more.” W ith that, he turned back over and w ent to sleep. W e shall see, Fiona thought.

Chapter Thirty-One The storm that Kellach feared so hit the very next morning. Icy w inds blew from the north, w hipping sand from the desert and lasting for tw o days. They w ere safe from the storm’s force w ithin the settlement, but Fiona w as thankful that they had made it back safely. It w ould have been another matter had they been caught in the open. These people loved w eddings and Fiona received more than her fair share of offers to help w ith food, sew ing a gow n, etc. Kellach presented her w ith a length of w hite silk, not forgetting her mention of the w edding dress. Tanith offered to help w ith the sew ing and in short order, the dress w as in the making. Women from all w alks of life offered food and w ine and their services. It had all the makings for a joyous celebration. The long-aw aited marriage of Kellach w as in itself a w ondrous event. Kellach resumed daily training of the soldiers along w ith his other normal activities, but Fiona’s time w as taken up in large part w ith planning the w edding. On one busy morning, Engai and Ceara appeared, carrying a small packet. Ceara shyly handed the packet to Fiona and she opened it curiously. Inside w ere tw o lengths of cloth, beautifully hand embroidered. “We w ere w orking on inserts for the dress Ceara w ould w ear w hen she is w ed,” Engai explained, “but Ceara thought that she w ould like you to have them.”

Ceara thought that she w ould like you to have them.” Ceara nodded, her eyes w ide, “I have time to make more but you have no one to help you.” Fiona’s heart filled, how fortunate Engai w as to have such a child, she envied her. Maybe some day! “Are you sure you w ant to give these up?” “I w ant you to have them,” Ceara said, “they w ill look beautiful on you.” “Then I’ll tell you w hat, w e w ill use them on my dress and after I am done w earing it, w e w ill put the dress aw ay and you can w ear it w hen you are w ed. W here I come from, brides do that all the time. You can help me w ith the design and sew ing, and then it w ill be our dress.” Ceara’s eyes w idened even more, “I w ill w ork every day on it.” Engai’s face w as a lesson in pure love and pride, and deservedly so. Ceara w as a child to make any w oman proud. Four days after their return, Kellach came home somew hat later than normal. He alw ays returned at close to the same time each day so his tardiness w as noticeable. He seemed edgy and nervous and cleared his throat a number of times. Finally, exasperated w ith his behavior and having other things to do, she asked him w hat he needed. Aw kw ardly, Kellach responded, “I do not need anything. I have something for you.” Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out a small package. W hen she opened it up, she found a gold ring. The setting w as exquisite and surrounded a w hite jade gemstone. “I could not find this diamond of w hich you speak. Jade is highly valued and I thought the w hite w ould do w ell.” Do w ell indeed, she thought, it w as beautiful by any standard. Kellach took the ring and slid it on her finger. How he had found her ring size she w ould never know , but the ring fit as if made for her.

she w ould never know , but the ring fit as if made for her. It touched her so much that he had not forgotten or ignored w hat she had said and had gone to such trouble to do w hat she asked. “It’s perfect,” she said. “I w ouldn’t change a thing.” “I am having matching gold rings made for each of us to exchange as you requested. The jew eler w ill have them done in tw o days’ time.” Things w ere coming together, but time w as grow ing very short. Fiona’s dress w as almost completed. It w as a lovely thing—the tunic fit closely and fell almost to her knees, w ith an underskirt draping below that. The neckline w as scooped and show ed Fiona’s shoulders to great advantage and the hand embroidered inserts that Ceara had given her w ere sew n on the elbow -length sleeves. A silken veil w ould drape from a small circlet around her brow . Siran had offered to w alk her to Kellach and she had accepted, grateful for the support. Although not customary in their ceremonies, Fiona had enlisted Tanith as her matron of honor, Ceara as the flow er girl and Machar as the ring bearer. The only thing missing now w ere her parents, the thought of them not attending really saddened her. Mom w ould have been so proud and so busy making plans and helping. But in any event, it w as as close to a modern w edding as she could make it, w ith variations of course. Kellach w as getting more restless each day, his eyes burned w henever they encountered Fiona and he had to exert an iron w ill not to drag her to his bed. He w as restless at night as w ell, tossing and turning and even punching dow n his pillow in his frustration. Fiona remained serene, smiling and laughing and busily putting the final touches to the w edding plans. Finally, the morning of their w edding daw ned, cold

Finally, the morning of their w edding daw ned, cold but clear. The w edding w as to take place in his hall and everything had been moved to allow space. Fiona had spent the night at Tanith’s home, another one of her silly customs, and he eagerly aw aited the start of the ceremony. W hy he w as not allow ed to see her on their joining day w as a mystery to him. It w as not like he didn’t know w hat she looked like. He had forgotten how empty his home w as w ithout Fiona, even the little cur w ould have been some company, but he had faithfully follow ed Fiona out the door. Even the dog had deserted him. Siran had offered to take him to a drinking place last night, but Kellach w anted to be in his best form for this day. Fiona w ould have no regrets for choosing him. He made a quick trip to the bathhouse and then back home. Women w ere running this w ay and that by now , preparing for the ceremony. He w as barely able to grab his clothes before they threw him back out the door. He w rapped a drape around his shoulders and strode to Tanith’s, but w as denied entrance, again being told he w as not to see the bride before the ceremony. He did not think he w ould like Fiona’s people. They had too many strange and outlandish traditions. Finally, by now cold and out of sorts, he w as able to gain entrance at his parents’ home. Nuala fixed him breakfast and commiserated w ith him about his troubles. Fiona had a lot to make up for after this day! Kellach dressed, eager to have the day over and Fiona to himself again. His bed had seemed cold and empty w ithout her w armth, kept aw ake most nights as he strained to hear her, his imagination going w ild. He had grow n too accustomed to her softness in such a short time and w ould never w illingly relinquish that again. Nuala and Baroc w ere dressed and ready to proceed

Nuala and Baroc w ere dressed and ready to proceed w ith him. Rodan of the High Council w ould be officiating at the joining and they left to return to Kellach’s house to greet Rodan as w ell as the other visitors. Kellach entered the door and stopped as amazement overcame him. His abode had been transformed in the short time he w as aw ay. Cloth drapes had been hung from the ceiling, providing a covered w alkw ay dow n the middle. An altar graced the end of the w alk. People w ere crammed in every corner and more stood outside hoping to glimpse the happy couple. A Bard strummed a Ruan , soft melodies echoing throughout the hall. It w as a scene fit for royalty. A tightness grew in his chest. W hat if Fiona changed her mind? He should not have made the bargain w ith her, he should have just told her w hat w as in his heart—that he loved her and w anted her, not that she w as the end result of some ridiculous bargain. Sw eat formed on his brow and, annoyed, he imagined all in the hall as disappearing into thin air. The crow d w as suffocating and he could barely hear for the noise. Rodan took his place at the altar and the hall w as suddenly silenced but for the soft strumming of the bard. Kellach stepped to the altar and turned as Machar and Ceara started dow n the aisle. Behind them w alked Tanith, resplendent in a dark blue gow n, her pregnancy very evident but beautiful nonetheless. They stopped at the altar and all w aited. Kellach realized he w as holding his breath and let it out slow ly, barely able to contain his nerves. The music changed somew hat, to a tune unfamiliar to him. Siran stepped through the door, Fiona on his arm. Kellach stared in astonishment, she w as more beautiful than any he had ever seen, and as she w alked tow ards him, the tightness in

ever seen, and as she w alked tow ards him, the tightness in his chest eased and, in the blink of an eye, gone w ere the doubts that had plagued him for days. All that remained w as the dream that w as Fiona. His gift of the length of silk molded itself to her body, cleverly sew n so that it accentuated every curve. But it w as her face that arrested him, her lips smiled beguilingly, and her eyes enthralled him w ith their gentleness. Had speech been required at this moment, he w ould not have been able to comply. Fiona carefully w atched Kellach as she started dow n the aisle. Her first steps faltered, but the closer she came, the steadier her steps. Kellach stood so very tall and handsome, commanding all by his mere presence. W hen they reached the altar, Siran moved her hand to Kellach’s arm and they faced each other. The joining w ords w ere said, the gold rings exchanged and it w as done. Kellach, as she instructed, bent and sealed the ceremony w ith a kiss, his lips moving hungrily. Cheers erupted from the w ellw ishers as the kiss ended. She w as his w ife, for how ever long they had. Kellach reached dow n and picked her up, carrying her through the crow d to the tables set up in the courtyard. Musicians struck up a lively tune and servants rushed to serve the food. Though it w as late fall, the temperature w as perfect. W ine flow ed freely and the tables groaned from the w eight of the feast. No one w ould go aw ay hungry on this day. Kellach found many reasons to kiss her repeatedly; sometimes for no reason, other than she w as his to kiss. Strange how he had never considered joining w ith a w oman for love, only the children she w ould bear him. Such w as not the case w ith Fiona, even if she never bore him children, he w ould not care.

bore him children, he w ould not care. The crow d parted as Alstrom strode through the courtyard. Regrettably, Voadicia w as at his side. Briga trailing behind, they stopped in front of the table w here Kellach and Fiona w ere seated. Smiling, Alstrom added his best w ishes to the new ly w edded couple. His demeanor w as gracious and w arm, and Kellach glimpsed a flicker of the man he once w as. Briga stepped forw ard and added her blessings as w ell, presenting them w ith a gift of a handembroidered w all hanging. Voadicia merely stood there, a sour look on her face, clearly displeased w ith the proceedings. In truth, Kellach w ould rather she had stayed aw ay; her presence fostered a blight on the festivities. “Walk w ith me, Kellach,” Alstrom directed, “w hilst I make my greetings.” Kellach stood, his eyes on Fiona, “If you w ill excuse me, little w ife, I w ill return shortly.” For Voadicia’s benefit, he leaned dow n and kissed Fiona long and hard, eliciting gasps of delight from everyone, except Voadicia. Alstrom and Kellach strolled through the crow d, nodding and smiling and stopping to visit w ith all. Voadicia turned her attention to Fiona. “Well, little one,” she remarked scornfully, “it appears you have done w ell for yourself. I w ould not have thought Kellach w ould stoop so low .” The barb stung, as she had intended. Fiona sat up straighter, unw illing to allow this viper to ruin her day. “I do not think Kellach has stooped so low for anyone,” she said, “present company excepted.” Voadicia’s eyes narrow ed, her lips tightening, “So the little cat has claw s,” she said loudly, to no one in particular, “too bad that is all she has. Everyone know s Kellach only w ed her to give her status in the clan. For myself, I w ould w ant more than that.”

w ant more than that.” Fiona’s chin lifted, her eyes angry, “If Kellach w ed me for my clan status, and I am reasonably sure that is not the case, I am content. At least he thought to give me something w orth having.” Snickers erupted and Voadicia’s gaze sw ept the crow d, looking for the offenders. She turned back to Fiona, her face made ugly by her contempt, “Do not mock me, little w ife of Kellach, you w ould not like the consequences.” Tanith stood up, preparing to defend Fiona. But before she could say anything, Kellach w alked out of the crow d. Know ing Voadicia too w ell, and sensing trouble, Kellach had returned, overhearing her remark. Casually, he moved to stand behind Fiona, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders, “Do you w ish to bless our joining, Voadicia? Or is there something else you w ant to say?” His voice w as soft, belying the fire in his eyes. Voadicia dropped her ow n eyes, w illing to bide her time until the moment w as ripe. Kellach w as too pow erful by far to risk a confrontation now , but her influence grew daily. Soon she w ould move against her opponents, Kellach among them. “Enough has been said,” Briga stepped forw ard, “w e are here to enjoy the celebration and w ish you w ell. My apologies for Voadicia’s unkind remarks.” Voadicia w hirled on Briga, “Apologize for yourself, old w oman,” she grated. “I do not grovel so easily.” She stormed off, pleased at having created the discord she w anted. This joining w as a farce and Kellach w ould soon tire of w edded life and, w hen he did, she w ould make him beg before taking him back. Men alw ays begged. He w as no different. A pall had fallen on the party and a great lump formed in Fiona’s chest. How silly she had been to believe that

in Fiona’s chest. How silly she had been to believe that Kellach loved her. That he married her to give her clan status made perfect sense. She w as intelligent enough to know her lot w ould be bettered by having status, and being Kellach’s w ife elevated that status considerably. But Voadicia w as right, she did w ant more than that. Kellach w atched Fiona’s face, too open by far. Angered by Voadicia’s unw elcome appearance and her spiteful attack on Fiona, he could only hope that the damage w as minimal and could be repaired. He had been w ithout Fiona’s comfort for long enough and he w as not w illing to forego it any further. Someday he silently vow ed, Voadicia’s time w ould be at an end and he w ould be there to enjoy it. Kellach stroked Fiona’s soft cheek, forcing her face to his. She w ould not look at him, eyes remained low ered. W hispering softly for her ears alone, “I joined w ith you for love—that is the only reason. I regret the bargain w e made, but not the end result.” Her eyes flashed to his, shimmering w ith hope. “Do you mean that?” she challenged him. “W ithout doubt, I w ould not say it w ere it not true. She cannot abide the fact that you are more to me than she could ever be.” The lump in her chest grew , not because of Voadicia’s w ords, but because of Kellach’s. Slow ly her smile bloomed, her eyes dancing w ith delight, “You could have told me sooner, it w ould have made Voadicia’s attack easier to bear.” “Mayhap I didn’t realize that she w ould be so displeasing as to attend. I did not w ish her here.” “Me less than you,” Fiona grinned. “I didn’t hear her throw ing nasty remarks at you.”

throw ing nasty remarks at you.” “She w ould find me a harder target. Her barbs w ould be w asted on me, I w ould not hear them.” “Spoken like a true man,” Tanith laughed. The dark cloud left by Voadicia had lifted and the mood around the table grew merry again. The bards started up a lively tune and dancing, or w hat they called dancing, began. Kellach took Fiona’s hand and drew her out to the center. “I did not hear you return my love,” Kellach said somew hat uncertainly. “Are you asking if I love you,” Fiona teased. Kellach frow ned, “I opened my heart to you, I w ould know your feelings as w ell.” She threw herself at him, laughing at his consternation. “You have to know how I feel, I w ouldn’t marry you just to gain status, unlike some w omen. Besides,” she w hispered, “you have a great body!” Uncomprehending her modern idiom, he agreed, “Yes, I am an uncommon tall man, but is this important to you?” “Forget it,” she sighed, her eyes tw inkling. “I married you for love—not your height, you big dope!” Kellach caught her in his arms, w hirling her around and around, until her mind w as spinning and she thought she w ould be sick. He set her dow n laughing and she staggered slightly, grabbing hold of his arm. “That is for calling me a dope . I do not know w hat it is, but I suspect it is not good.” “Depends on w ho says it,” she grinned, “in this instance, it is good.” Fiona’s face sobered and she leaned close, w hispering for his benefit only, “I fought my feelings because I thought I w ould be leaving, but I have loved you from the moment I first saw you.” Kellach yaw ned and stretched mightily. “Is it not time

Kellach yaw ned and stretched mightily. “Is it not time for us to retire?” he w ickedly leered at her. “It’s not even night yet—w hat w ould these people think if w e left so early?” “They w ould think you are very eager and I am a very lucky man.” Fiona sputtered, “Me eager? It w as your suggestion, not mine!” “But I knew it w as w hat you w ere thinking,” he commented, his expression smug and smirking. “Well, I w ant to enjoy my w edding day a little w hile longer, you’ll just have to w ait.” “I have been w aiting these past tw elve days. I do not w ant to w ait any longer.” His hands moved slow ly dow n her back, seeking a response to his need. Heat grew in Fiona’s belly, spreading like w ildfire. A vision of Kellach’s naked form sprang into her mind, feeding the flame. Her heart skipped a beat and her breath caught, her hormones reacting. “But if you w ould stay, that is w hat w e w ill do,” he said, dropping his hands. “This day is for you.” W hirling and stomping, he boisterously joined in the dancing, dragging her along. W ine flow ed and huge quantities of food w ere consumed long into the evening. Fiona w as impressed! These people really knew how to throw a party! Finally, everyone decided it w as time to retire the happy couple. The w omen escorted Fiona back to the dw elling, now back in post-w edding order by the toils of some unknow n good souls. A w arm fire crackled in the pit, and candles flickered on every w all, a perfect seduction scene. A large brass tub filled w ith scented w ater had been left for her use. The w omen helped her undress, bathed her, and then

use. The w omen helped her undress, bathed her, and then led her to the marriage bed to aw ait Kellach. Good w ishes and many blessings of a fertile and happy joining w ere bestow ed and then the w omen left. A riotous group of laughing, drunken men, led by Durlach and Siran, attempted to follow Kellach into the house, yelling ribald jokes and spew ing lew d comments. Kellach shoved them out and forced the door closed amid how ls of frustration and threats of retribution. He turned from the door, his eyes meeting hers across the room, and then started slow ly tow ards her. Fiona w as reminded of a great cat stalking its intended prey, his eyes narrow ed and his head lifted as though scenting the air. Clothes began flying in every direction and, by the time he reached the bed, none w ere left to shed. His manhood rose, hard and thrusting and Fiona w as electrified by her reaction; every sense w as aw ake and alert, every emotion triggered. Kellach paused, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. She sat in the center of the bed, candlelight surrounding her in a burnished glow . Other than the silken bed linens, her long silver gilt hair w as her only adornment, flow ing loose and freely dow n her back. A few errant strands draped forw ard, modestly covering her and he w as tempted to reach out and smooth them aw ay, w anting nothing to come betw een them. Her eyes glow ed in the soft light, mysterious, and promising untold delights. Mesmerized, he w atched as her tongue darted out, moistening her lips, leaving them glistening and slightly parted, w aiting for his invasion. He felt no need to hurry, taking his time and savoring each moment. Pulling the bed clothes back, he eased dow n slow ly, draw ing her to him, her skin like fine silk beneath his

slow ly, draw ing her to him, her skin like fine silk beneath his fingers. He teased her w ith his lips w hile his hands explored and found remembered curves. Her breasts w ere full and w anting, the nipples peaking and sensitive. The bed dipped slightly as he molded himself to her. Fiona gasped as she reached for him, a red haze of desire w ashing over her, w anting his dominance and yearning for his touch. Every nerve quivered as desire erupted, hot and melting; her body aching and burning, trembled w ith need. His mouth tasted her, lifting her further along the tide of sensual longing, his hands rubbed and stroked and his manhood, probing and demanding, pressed hard against her. He rolled to his back, pulling her on top and w atched w ith flaming eyes as she positioned herself. She gasped as he arched up, meeting her halfw ay, their bodies joining in a furious onslaught, craving release. He lunged against her, over and over, until w ith a gasping cry, she collapsed against him. But he w as not done. His body w as rock hard and he w ould make this moment last for hours. Lifting up, he pushed her to the side, forcing her to her knees and plunged in again from behind, reaching around to massage her w hile he drove in, deeper than ever, her muscles contracting and milking him w ith every movement. Hardly had the first orgasm ended w hen the next began, Fiona’s face beguiling in the candlelight, evoking primitive cravings he did not know he possessed. Kellach did not let her rest the entire night. He had denied himself her comfort for too long and a few short hours w ould not suffice. By the early hours of the morning, Fiona w as sure she w ould die; no one had told her that sex could kill, but if he continued, there w ould be no other result. Relaxed and totally replete, Kellach finally allow ed her

result. Relaxed and totally replete, Kellach finally allow ed her to sleep, molding her to his body, w rapped w ithin his care.

Chapter Thirty-Tw o Being married to Kellach w as pure delight. A better companion and greater lover w ould be hard to find. The nights w ere bliss and she w as learning that Kellach’s virility w as an amazing thing. After pleasuring her most of the night, he w as up and raring to go each morning. If anything, his vitality only increased. She on the other hand w as finding it hard to w ork all day and then be up all night. But she w asn’t complaining, more like bragging. Tanith’s pregnancy w as very advanced and the babe w ould soon be born. Her health w as not as good as Fiona w ould have liked, and only by constant threats w as she able to convince Tanith to rest each afternoon for a short period. Siran w orried about her and his unease transferred itself to Fiona. They took turns taking Tanith for daily w alks around the settlement, forcing her to step aw ay from daily activities and providing the kind of exercise she needed. Fiona kept Machar w ith her as much as she w as able, and w here Machar w ent, so did Conan. Ceara w as also a frequent visitor and came each day to w ork w ith the herbs and to learn about healing. Xio Li’s gardening had ended but she had taken to helping w ith cleaning and cooking at Tanith’s. Life w as busy but very good and Fiona w as mostly content, only w hen she thought of her parents did she feel restless. The w eather had turned bitingly cold, the icy w ind

The w eather had turned bitingly cold, the icy w ind blew constantly. Except for short w alks w ith Tanith, most of Fiona’s time w as spent indoors, learning to card w ool, w eaving, making candles and doing other w omanly chores. Her skill at carding and w eaving left a lot to be desired, big lumps kept appearing in the thread and later on in the w eave, but she kept at it, failure w as not an option if she w anted her family to appear in public and not be ashamed. On a cold and dismal day, Tanith’s labor began. Siran sent Machar for Fiona and, in turn, Fiona sent Kellach for Engai. She ran across the square, everything she needed w as in her basket, collected earlier for the event. Tanith’s pains w ere coming steadily, but far apart and, on examination, her cervix w as barely open. Hours later, the labor w as still moving very slow ly. Kellach had taken charge of Machar and Conan and promised to keep them occupied, fed and out of the w ay. Siran remained, sitting by Tanith’s side, w hispering w ords of encouragement and love, smoothing her hair and holding her hand, and aiding her in the only w ay he knew . By night, the pains w ere coming hard and fast and sw eat dripped from Tanith’s brow as she labored. Fiona helped her w ith breathing exercises and w orked to ease her pain by rubbing her back. Engai kept the fire burning, boiled w ater, and fixed quick meals for Siran. Nuala checked in from time to time, offering her help and lending her support. In the early hours of the morning, the baby’s head had crow ned and a few hard pushes later, a new baby boy came into the w orld. Reddish blonde hair capped his perfect little head, though his little face w as pinched and his color w as not good. His breathing w as shallow and irregular; his movements w ere w eak, he w as very small and appeared listless due to the stress of the birth. Worrying,

appeared listless due to the stress of the birth. Worrying, Fiona contrived a makeshift incubator to keep him w arm and Engai took over his care w hile Fiona finished up w ith Tanith. At Tanith’s insistence, the baby w as w rapped in a w arm cloth and placed in her arms, her face a study in total love. Siran turned aw ay, fully aw are that the baby’s hold on this life w as tenuous and not w anting Tanith to know that he w as w orried. Fiona finished cleaning up and took the baby from Tanith, sitting near the fire, keeping him w arm. Having nothing else to do, Engai left to her ow n home. “He is so small,” Tanith said, her voice sad, “so much smaller than Machar w as.” “Small babies can grow into very big men,” Fiona replied. “Look at Kellach.” Tanith attempted to smile, “Kellach w as not a small baby. My mother said he w as a very large baby w ith a big head.” “He still has a big head,” Fiona smiled. Tanith hesitated, and then asked softly, “Do you think he w ill live?” “He w ill if I have anything to do w ith it.” For the next w hile, Fiona barely left Tanith’s and the baby’s side. The baby’s color improved and he seemed to grow stronger, his breathing improving daily. He fussed a lot and had trouble nursing and Tanith despaired that he w asn’t getting enough food. Fiona boiled goat’s milk and dripped it into his mouth, hoping to encourage him to nurse better. Finally, after about a w eek, Tanith w as feeling better and the baby w as improved enough that Fiona felt confident enough to leave Tanith to care for him. They named him Berach, the name of a strong w arrior of old. Kellach helped her gather her things and Fiona finally returned home. She sank into a chair exhausted, her back

returned home. She sank into a chair exhausted, her back and feet aching. The strain of the last few days had put their mark on Fiona. The lack of modern medical equipment and medicine frustrated her ability to care for the baby and she w ondered w hether her methods really had helped or the baby’s improvement w as just nature taking its course. Aside from being physically and mentally w orn out, she w asn’t feeling too w ell herself, thinking perhaps she had caught a flu bug or some other stomach disorder. The smell of food made her sick and she longed to lie dow n and hide, shutting the w orld out and sleeping for a w eek, but there w as just too much to do and sleeping on the job just w asn’t going to cut it. Kellach had proved himself a capable cook and although servants w ere readily available, he had taken control and a meal w as prepared and w aiting. Machar sat at the table, finishing his dinner and Kellach promised he could go home after he had eaten. Conan hid under the low table, gobbling the treats Machar managed to drop from time to time w hile Fiona sipped a cup of tea, enjoying being pampered. Machar finished up his food and raced to the door, Conan nipping at his heels. “I am going to take Machar back, I w ill return shortly,” Kellach kissed her brow , noting her pallor and the dark circles under her eyes. “There is no need for you to do anything but rest. Xio Li has promised to come over later and clean up. W ill you be w ell until I return?” His eyes expressed his concern, this had been a hard w eek on all of them, but she had shouldered most of the burden. “I’ll be fine,” she said, catching his hand. “It is good to be in our home. I have missed you.” “Not so much as me,” he replied. “I did not realize taking care of a four year old w as so much w ork.”

taking care of a four year old w as so much w ork.” She laughed softly, “It did you good to practice.” The follow ing days w ere a challenge just to get out of bed, her energy level w as low and she w as tired and irritable most of the time. On one cold morning, she jerked aw ake, barely making it to the chamber pot before she emptied her stomach. Definitely the flu, she thought. “W hen w ill our babe arrive?” Kellach casually asked, his face betraying nothing. Shock held her motionless. Oh… my…God, she thought, I am pregnant! All the signs had been there but she w as just too stupid to notice. How she had managed to ignore the obvious w as amazing. W hat w as that old saying? “Physician heal thyself,” or in this instance “physician diagnose thyself.” Dow n she w ent again, over the chamber pot, heaving until she could heave no more. Kellach w iped her face w ith a cold rag and lifted her back into bed. “How did you know ?” she asked. “I didn’t even realize,” embarrassed that it took a man to point it out. “You have not had your w oman’s courses since w e have been w ed, and now w ith your tiredness and morning sickness, it w as not hard to guess.” More embarrassment, he w as keeping track of her periods even! “So,” she cautiously questioned him, her face betraying nervousness, “how do you feel about it?” “It w as to be expected and I w ould w ant a son of my ow n.” “W hat if it’s a girl?” she spouted. “Girls do happen once in aw hile, you know !” He laughed. “That w ould be fine as w ell, as long as she looked like you,” his lips brushed hers. Turning her head aw ay, self-consciously, “I probably smell like vomit. I need to brush my teeth.”

smell like vomit. I need to brush my teeth.” He laughed, his face agreeing w ith her. “I have smelled w orse, it w ill not kill me. Besides, if it is a girl, w e can have a son next time.” How like a man, she thought, the first one hadn’t even been born yet and he w as already talking about the next one. It w armed her inside, though, and sounded like he w as planning on keeping her around. Something else crossed her mind, something that had been bothering her for quite some time, “Can I ask you something?” “If it is something I can answ er.” “I w as thinking. You know , Alstrom has tw o w ives. He took the second one w hen he w as older. Are you going to take a second w ife w hen I get older?” It w as a reasonable inquiry she thought given the history hereabouts. Kellach regarded her solemnly, “You w ait until now to question me about this?” “Well, I kept forgetting to actually ask you,” she defended herself. “Multiple w ives are not uncommon,” he said nonchalantly. “I know they aren’t uncommon, but is that something you plan on doing?” Fiona’s face darkened, a scow l creasing her brow , agitation w as on the rise. A second w ife w ould not survive the day if it came to that. She w ould not share. Kellach’s lips quirked, “I do not plan nor w ant to take another w ife, I have barely gotten used to the one I have. My family does not encourage that practice. I do not either.” Relief flooded through her, one less thing to w orry about. This marriage thing w as pretty confusing at times; doubly so here and she w as new to the rules. “Just be sure you remember that w hen I am old and

“Just be sure you remember that w hen I am old and gray and my breasts are sagging to my knees.” Kellach laughed outright, “You paint a pretty picture, one w orth holding onto.” The absurdity of the conversation caused Fiona to giggle helplessly, but she w as glad that she had finally asked.

Chapter Thirty-Three The storms of w inter blew and the people sheltered themselves inside. The marketplace w as mostly barren this time of year, only the potters and jew elers still kept shop. Flocks of sheep and herds of cattle w ere moved in closer to the settlement and Kellach left each day to help w ith feeding and caring for the animals. His duties as commander of the soldiers eased, seldom if ever did the northern tribes raid during the colder months, although the patrols kept constant w atch. Meetings in the Council chambers w ere uncontrolled, sides w ere taken and nothing w as ever resolved as a consequence. Tanith healed and the baby, Berlach, thrived after the difficult beginning. Soon enough, he w as a fat baby boy full of smiles and w atery kisses, doted on by his parents and Machar. Fiona’s ow n pregnancy w as going w ell, the morning sickness and constant fatigue behind her. She w as in the good stage of pregnancy, feeling the first movements and w atching her belly grow . Kellach w as attentive and loving, and her life, though different than anything she could ever have imagined, w as full and satisfying. It w as a time of peace and contentment. January and February, or w hat she calculated as January and February, passed and the first signs of spring appeared. The settlement had been lucky that w inter, no major illnesses had struck and, except for the deaths of

major illnesses had struck and, except for the deaths of some senior members due to advanced age, no other deaths w ere reported. Birds returned, and small early w ildflow ers poked through on the hillsides. Lambs began to appear and it w as calving time in the herds. Life w as renew ing itself. The return of the great caravans w as aw aited w ith great anticipation and those caravans that had w intered near the settlement readied themselves to move on. Spring also brought the return of huge yellow clouds of sand and dust, and w inds of gale force, w hipping across the desert, lasting for days on end and layering everything in dust. The settlement huddled indoors, w aiting for the storms to break. Fiona’s stomach grew steadily, the baby kicking strongly and alw ays, it seemed, just as she w as about to go to sleep. She found herself follow ing Kellach around w henever he w as at home, her desire increasing as the influx of hormones kept her lusting after him. He w as quick to oblige, alw ays ready and w illing, never put off by her increased girth. Grinning, he finally asked, “Don’t you ever get tired?” Laughing she replied, “Not for some things.” Conan grew to full size, a sturdy medium-sized dog, smart and very protective. He seldom left her side and if he did, it w as to run w ith Machar, his constant playmate. But for low rumblings of discontent in the marketplace, Fiona w as happy.

Chapter Thirty-Four Rumors reached them that Voadicia w as teetering on the brink of insanity. Her viciousness had increased tenfold and her cruelties w ere w ithout bounds. Alstrom continued to turn a blind eye to her intrigues and w oe be to the unfortunates w ho defied her. A public execution, spaw ned by her machinations and carried out by her underlings, took place in the market square. The victim, a w oman, w as adjudged a w itch by Voadicia’s tainted court, but it w as w hispered that her only crime w as publicly denouncing Voadicia. She w as lashed to tw o horses and then torn apart w hen the horses w ere made to bolt. Kellach arrived too late to stop the proceedings, vow ing that it w ould not happen again. Thankfully, Fiona had been spared w itnessing the event, and only learned of it because Cyrnon happened to be in the marketplace. Alstrom had become a w eakling against Voadicia’s grow ing pow er and more than one Council member voiced the need to remove him from leadership. Kellach secretly agreed, but held his counsel, w aiting to see how the w inds blew . If it came to that, Kellach w ould have no trouble disposing of Voadicia by w hatever means necessary. Kellach resumed training the men, w orking hard to return them to pre-w inter conditioning, formulating new methods of early detection for the expected raids. The

methods of early detection for the expected raids. The marauders w ould be hard-pressed to gain entrance if they dared to attack the settlement. A constant vigil w as kept, and guards posted around the settlement on a tw enty-four hour basis. There w ould be no surprises Kellach vow ed. It w as said that the nomads w ere already pushing south and some of the northernmost settlements had by now been attacked. The raiders struck close to home early that spring. The yellow village w as attacked and a rider w as dispatched to the settlement for help in driving them back. Kellach rushed home to make ready, gathering his w eapons and throw ing on his armor, Siran close behind. The soldiers w ere mustered and riding out in the time it took to sound the w ar horns. Tanith and Fiona held each other in fear, w orried that one or more of their men might not return. They made their w ay dow n to the marketplace, hoping for more information and met other w omen seeking the same. Engai and Ceara ran to them, Elochad and the tw ins had gone out as w ell. The small crow d of w omen grouped together, talking excitedly and milling about. W hat soldiers remained w ere mostly those that attended Voadicia, although Durlach and a few of Kellach’s most trusted remained as w ell. Hours passed and most of the w omen left to return home. Tanith w alked ahead, carrying Berlach, w hile Fiona follow ed, holding Machar’s hand and leading Conan. Engai and Ceara lagged behind. The w ar horns sounded again and fighting w as heard coming from the direction of the river. Fiona and Tanith paused in alarm, they w ere too far from home to seek protection there and only a few places along the avenue w here they w alked afforded any possible cover. Screams sounded and a raider rushed headlong dow n the

Screams sounded and a raider rushed headlong dow n the roadw ay, slashing w ith a w icked blade and trampling under hoof any w ho w ere too slow to jump out of the w ay. Behind him, more horsemen follow ed his lead; people falling right and left under the onslaught of their razor sharp w eapons. Tanith shoved Fiona and Machar dow n behind some tall clay pots, shielding them w ith her body. Conan w as jumping and barking w ildly as Machar held him tightly, fearful that he w ould get aw ay. The baby w as screaming and Tanith w orked to calm him, frightened that he w ould draw too much attention to their hiding spot. More and more raiders flashed by, the noise deafening. Across the w ay, a lone marksman crouched in the street, firing arrow after arrow w ith deadly accuracy. Hitting his mark, a raider crashed dow n in front of them, his neck broken by the fall. As if in slow motion, Fiona w atched in disbelief as Ceara broke from cover, screaming as she ran dow n the street, only to be caught up and tossed over the front of a fleeing raider’s horse. “No!” screamed Engai, jumping up and running out as w ell, “nooooooo!” She ran after them, crying and pleading, her focus on the fast disappearing form of Ceara and not seeing the second raider bearing dow n on her. W ith one mighty stroke, Engai w ent dow n, felled by the slashing blade of a second marauder. Stunned, Fiona half-rose to go to her but w as jerked back dow n by Tanith, tears streaming dow n her face. Tanith handed the baby to Fiona and reached for the w ar ax dropped by the dead horseman. Fiona screamed, trying to stop her but Tanith w ould not be denied. Crouching, she w aited for the next horseman and as he neared, she leaped up, sw inging the ax and catching him a glancing blow to the side. He toppled from his horse and rolled, landing in front of Fiona. His eyes gleamed

and rolled, landing in front of Fiona. His eyes gleamed cruelly, his blackened and broken teeth bared in a snarl of hate. W ithout thinking, Fiona shoved the baby at Machar and grabbed the nearest thing she could find as a w eapon, a heavy grinding stone, and smashed it again and again into his face, until all that w as left w as a pulpy mass of flesh. More w ar horns sounded as soldiers poured into the street, galloping dow n the street and forcing the raiders ahead of them, Kellach in the lead. Fiona froze, her eyes glued to the dead man, sickness w elling up, vomit in her throat. She had done the unthinkable, she had killed a man w ith her ow n tw o hands. Tanith still gripped the w ar ax, standing in shock as the last of the raiders vanished from sight. Siran rushed to her and cautiously forced the ax from her clenched hands, crooning softly to her. Machar cradled the screaming Berlach, safeguarding him from any harm, his eyes having seen too much for a child his age. Machar yelled in w arning. Unthinkingly, Machar had let go of Conan and the dog w as racing after the raiders, barking furiously. A shrill w histle from Kellach stopped him in his tracks and he slunk back, obeying but w atchful of the raiders’ return. Elochad and the tw ins broke through the assembly, throw ing themselves from their horses, and running tow ards Engai’s broken body. Great sobs w racked Elochad as he gathered her to his chest, the tw ins w eeping in mute despair. Dear loving Engai—too soon dead, and in all probability, sw eet little Ceara w as gone forever, lost to the tents of the northern nomads. Kellach folded Fiona in his arms, the ride back had been a nightmare. A small force had attacked the yellow village; w hile a larger contingent had bided their time, w aiting until the majority of the soldiers had left the

w aiting until the majority of the soldiers had left the settlement, and then had also attacked, pillaged and murdered, leaving behind many dead. W hen Kellach’s forces realized that the attack on the yellow settlement w as a ruse, they returned in all haste, arriving as the battle ensued. Durlach had led the defenders and they had held their ow n, given the size of the attacking force. Fiona w as shaking, her lips clenched in an effort to still the chattering of her teeth, her face buried in his chest. He held her thus, w hispering w ords of comfort and reassurance. **** Losing Engai and Ceara w as a crushing blow and Elochad and the tw in’s grief w as overw helming. Kellach motioned to Durlach, “Gather a company of men. Take supplies for a w eek and follow their trail. Perhaps w e can stop them before they reach the higher plateaus.” Durlach nodded and hastened to make preparations for leaving. Elochad stood up, squaring his shoulders and advanced on Kellach, “I go w ith them, Engai w ould expect that of me. We might be able to save Ceara if w e leave immediately. I cannot bear the thought of her loss as w ell.” He looked at Fiona, “W ill you see to Engai’s body?” Fiona nodded, tears spilling over anew . He w hirled, motioned for the tw ins to stay put, and leapt on his horse, hurtling after the sw iftly departing band. Kellach and his officers hurried to organize the remaining men, making sure there w ould be no new surprises. Additional guards w ere set around the settlement and increased patrols scouted the outlying areas. The raid had been sw iftly accomplished, the intruders vanishing into the hills as quickly as they had appeared. Wails and sobs came from every corner, hurt and

Wails and sobs came from every corner, hurt and bleeding citizens w alked or w ere carried up the hill to the square in front of Kellach’s residence. Fiona pushed her terror and grief to the side, her skills w ere needed and she had no time for that now . Tanith and Xio Li had huge pots of w ater boiling and w ere organizing the injured so that Fiona treated the most serious injuries w hile they helped w ith the minor ones. Thankfully, the death count w as less than originally calculated, but some of the injuries w ere such that Fiona doubted w hether they w ould survive. Long into the night, she w orked, sew ing and bandaging w ounds, and comforting the survivors. It w as a night of pure hell. By the time the last one had been treated, Fiona w as exhausted, her mind in a fog. Everything that she could do had been done and it w as time for her to let others take over. Tanith and Xio Li and some of the other w omen w ould take turns caring for those too injured to return home, giving Fiona needed time to rest and recuperate. In another part of the settlement, Voadicia, along w ith her personal guards, celebrated their victory in driving the invaders out of the settlement. Strangely, no one could remember actually seeing her guards during the battle. The bodies of the intruders w ere decapitated and their heads carried around as trophies and later displayed on posts in the square for all to see. W hen Fiona heard about this, she vow ed not to go to the marketplace until they had been taken dow n, just the thought of those ghastly heads w ith their unblinking, unseeing eyes w as too gruesome to imagine and made her sick. To her thinking, it w as a show of barbarism in the w orst possible w ay. Kellach returned, w anting to assure himself that she w as w ell and resting. It w as a hard thing for a w oman to handle, let alone a w oman w ith child. She w as resting on

handle, let alone a w oman w ith child. She w as resting on the bed, Conan cuddled against her, too tired to even undress. The dog rose up; w agging his tail and quivering in w elcome. Fiona opened her eyes, “I can’t get the w hole thing out of my head, it just keeps repeating over and over and I see Engai die and then smashing that man’s face.” Her voice broke on a sob. “I can’t bear to think about it anymore.” Kellach lay dow n beside her, and pulled her to him. “You did w hat you had to do, he w ould have killed you and the rest had you not acted. They do not show mercy,” he soothed her, kissing and caressing her, trying to ease her distress. “It just keeps repeating itself,” she cried. “I murdered a man!” “You didn’t murder him, you defended yourself and Tanith and Machar and the baby. You could do no less.” Something had been niggling at her brain, something she only now could decipher, “Your young w ard is a brave one,” she remembered, “did you know w hat a great archer he is?” Kellach frow ned, “I know not of w hat you speak.” “There w as a bow man near us. He w as shooting very fast and very accurate. I saw three horsemen go dow n because of him. It just occurred to me—it w as Cyrnon!” Kellach shook his head, clearing his thoughts. “Cyrnon? Are you sure?” “Very sure, until you arrived, he w as the only male near us w ho w as fighting back. You should be very proud of him. He did not falter once, he just kept on shooting.” Kellach let her talk, her voice calming and her body relaxing as she remembered other things. “I didn’t realize it w as him at the time, but now that I have had time to think, I know

at the time, but now that I have had time to think, I know it w as him.” “I am aw are that he practices every day, along w ith the other youths, but I did not know how he progressed.” “Believe me, it w as him and he did w ell. I don’t think w e w ould have survived if he hadn’t been there.”

Chapter Thirty-Five Early the next morning, Kellach w alked over to his parents’ house, looking for Cyrnon. He w asn’t there and he w as not to be found. The tw ins w ere missing as w ell, their horses gone from the herds. Cyrnon and the tw ins had vanished and no one could remember w hen they last w ere seen. Kellach knew w ithout having to be told that they had follow ed Durlach and Elochad. He offered a small prayer to the four w inds that they w ould return. His heart heavy, he returned home to let Fiona know . A pall hung over the settlement as they labored to clean up the chaos left by the invaders, w atching the horizon for the return of Durlach’s band. The w omen prepared Engai’s body for burial, w ashing and clothing her in the fine tunic she w ore at Fiona’s w edding and gathering her other favorites to be buried w ith her. She w as taken to the desert, a burial tomb readied, and left to the w inds of time. Curiously, Fiona noted that the boat-shaped casket w as open at the bottom, the body resting on the sand. A few days later, one of the injured died, an older man w ho w as caught in the square during the early moments of the attack. Fiona w ept, she w ould never get used to losing a patient, she had tried so hard to save him. The others slow ly improved, and by the end of the first w eek, all but a few had returned to their ow n homes. Ten days after the attack, Durlach and the band of

Ten days after the attack, Durlach and the band of trackers returned. They had searched for days but had lost the trail. Cyrnon and the tw ins w ere not w ith them, and they had not seen them the entire time they had been gone. W hen Elochad learned that the tw ins and Cyrnon had disappeared, he had to be physically restrained from going in search of them. Kellach put a full-time guard on him in the event he did try to leave and, as a result, Elochad just sat in a chair, staring at naught. Nothing seemed to matter to him any more. He had nothing left. Fiona’s heart broke again, she had prayed so much that they w ould find Ceara, and that the boys w ould return safely, but it looked like all of them w ere lost. Kellach said very little, but his demeanor w as one of anguish and pain. Almost by design, the dust storms came again in full force, as though to impress upon them further their tenuous hold on life. Secreted in their houses, the people hid from the storms and w aited for deliverance from their onslaught. W hen the w inds finally died, the last of Fiona’s patients returned home and her life returned to a semblance of normalcy. Three w eeks later to the day, patrols found a small band of travelers and escorted them to Kellach. Kellach stepped out and stopped, his gaze unw avering as he stared at the little group. Cyrnon sat atop Uasail, the tw ins on either side and around Cyrnon’s w aist w ere w rapped tw o small arms! Ceara’s small face peaked around his shoulder. They had all survived and returned! Tw o older girls, unknow n to him, w ere perched behind the tw ins. Elochad raced up the hill, having been alerted by one of the patrols, tears streaming dow n his face as he grabbed the girl and held her, laughing and crying as

as he grabbed the girl and held her, laughing and crying as he pulled the boys dow n, hugging them all at once. Cyrnon sat there, appearing nonchalant, but Kellach knew he w as nervous by the tightening of his lips. “I see you have returned,” Kellach calmly noted. “You disobeyed my orders again.” Cyrnon’s head dropped, not meeting his eyes, “I knew you w ould forbid me to go and it w as my right.” “Your right? W hy w as it your right?” “Ceara is to be my future w ife. I could not allow her to be left to the nomads’ tents.” His head raised, his eyes emboldened. Ceara peaked over her father’s shoulder, surprise on her face. Kellach paused; pride w elling in his breast, the boy had become a man. Fiona ran up, Tanith behind her. “Cyrnon… Oh my God , Cyrnon! And the tw ins…and Ceara!” Delighted, she ran back and forth, laughing and crying and touching them, assuring herself that they w ere real and alive. Everyone w as talking at once, laughing and crying; it had been too long since they had anything to feel good about. “How did you find Ceara?” Kellach’s voice betrayed none of the emotions he w as feeling. Cyrnon grinned, “We knew you w ouldn’t let us follow , so w e w aited until dark and then snuck out.” “You got by the patrols again! How is that possible? The w atch had been increased tw ofold and you still got out,” Kellach burst out. “They cannot find me unless I w ant to be found,” Cyrnon w as puffed up w ith his ow n importance, “though it w as harder this time,” he conceded. “W e follow ed Durlach’s trail into the hills, but,” he added shamefacedly, “w e got lost. We must have gone the w rong direction and w e w andered around for days.” The tw ins nodded in

w andered around for days.” The tw ins nodded in agreement. “And then w e spotted a camp and w e left the horses and craw led up to see w ho it w as. We thought at first it might be Durlach’s men but it w as some of the nomads. They had a number of captives, and w e think they had been left behind to guard them.” Again the tw ins nodded, “so w e w aited and w atched, trying to decide w hat to do, and then they started drinking fermented milk and getting drunk, and by the time it got dark, they w ere laughing and singing, and falling dow n.” One of the tw ins exclaimed, “They didn’t even have a guard set!” All three nodded in agreement. Cyrnon continued, “So w hen w e w ere sure they w ere out, w e craw led dow n and cut the captives loose. Ceara started crying and almost w oke one of them up, but I held my hand over her mouth until w e got out. These other girls,” he w aved at the tw o, “w ere captives as w ell and w e brought them back. They say they are from one of the northern settlements.” Unbelievable…this w as something that had never happened before…w omen had returned from capture by the northern nomads! “We w ere going to slit the nomads’ throats w hile they slept, but w e needed to get the girls out,” he finished his story, w aiting for Kellach’s response. “It w as w ise that you did! But you disobeyed my orders, and as commander of the forces, that is no small thing. To be fair, you did w ell and for that, your punishment w ill go easy.” Kellach w ould not be shouldering his responsibility for the young ones if he allow ed such behavior to go unchecked. “You and these tw o,” motioning to the tw ins, “w ill be on stable duty for the next month, and I mean the stables of the soldiers, not my ow n. You w ill NOT be

stables of the soldiers, not my ow n. You w ill NOT be allow ed outside the confines of the settlement until such time as I say. Is this understood?” Cyrnon and the tw ins nodded, relieved that their punishment w ould be so reasonable.

Chapter Thirty-Six Attacks on the outlying settlements w ere increasing in greater numbers and w ord had it that the raiders w ere banding together; unheard of until now . A feeling of unease gripped the settlement, and people moved about cautiously, eyes on the horizon. In an effort to prevent spies from gaining entrance to the settlement, Kellach prohibited caravan traders from entering the confines of the settlement itself. The marketplace w as largely deserted as more and more of the vendors moved their goods to areas outside the settlement, allow ing easier access and hoping to draw the attention of the passing traders on the road to the east. The settlement had substantially recovered from the attack, but Kellach w as unconvinced that another attack w as not in the offing. He set extra patrols traversing the outskirts and extra guards w ere posted in and near the visiting caravans. Frequent searches of the camps w ere also made to reinforce the idea that any such interlopers w ould be dealt w ith quickly and severely. Ultimately, Kellach approached Rodan w ho, after careful consideration, presented to the Council Kellach’s plan to erect a w all around the settlement as an extra line of defense. Once again, arguments erupted in the Council chambers. Alstrom, urged on by Voadicia and her proponents, voiced opposition to the w all, stating such w as

proponents, voiced opposition to the w all, stating such w as unheard of and trade w ith the caravans w ould be affected. Rodan, on the other hand, w as a staunch supporter, arguing that the settlement w ould be more easily defended if such a barrier w ere constructed. Consequently, no decision w as reached and dissension w as rife in the Council chambers. By now , Fiona’s pregnancy w as quite evident. She continued treating patients, but on a limited basis. Xio Li, surprisingly, had become quite proficient at nursing and especially so as a midw ife. The past year had great effect on Xio Li. Gone w as the frightened young prostitute, w hat remained w as a confident young w oman, w illingly and eagerly making the change to better herself. She w as constantly at Fiona’s side, w orking hard and learning quickly. She had a simple theory as to w hy she made as good a midw ife as she had a gardener, “Seed is planted, it grow s and then harvest the fruit,” w hether it w as actual plants or a baby, it didn’t matter. Fiona could find no fault w ith her reasoning, she felt like a giant pumpkin these days anyw ay and looked forw ard to the day w hen she could see her feet again. Voadicia’s guards continued their open harassment of the citizenry. Voadicia, through Alstrom, issued an edict w hich empow ered her guards to round up and, if appropriate, execute any suspected spies or dissidents. So far, her actions had not seriously affected any of the ruling class or their cohorts; therefore, her conduct w as largely ignored. Simply put, Kellach had no time to deal w ith it. Alstrom condoned her actions and, as long as she did not overstep certain boundaries, she w as free to act as she pleased. Those boundaries w ere grow ing every day.

Chapter Thirty-Seven Fiona’s nesting frenzy had been in full gear for some months now . The dw elling w as cleaned thoroughly and then cleaned again. Visitors to the abode w ere impressed by her industry and as soon as they left, it w as cleaned again. No room for nasty germs in her home. On one such cleaning flurry, Fiona w as going through Kellach’s personal items and came across an extremely flamboyant pair of braccae. They w ere, w ithout doubt, the most god-awful pair of pants she had ever seen. Kellach’s taste in clothes had alw ays run to the more conservative, never gaudy or ostentatious. These w ere striped in every color of the rainbow and w hoever w ore them w ould be seen coming for a mile. Fiona sat them on the table and the more she looked at them, the sillier they became. Just the idea of Kellach parading around in them w as too funny for w ords. By the time Kellach got home, she w as literally rolling on the floor laughing. Kellach stared at her, confused but w armed by her laughter. His braccae sat on the table. His lips curled. “They w ere a present from my mother,” he explained dryly. “Did anyone ever tell you your mother dresses you funny?” Fiona hiccupped, still giggling. “Many men w ear such, but they are not a favorite of mine,” he defended himself.

mine,” he defended himself. “Well, I can’t believe any normal male w ould w ear those things,” she continued, trying hard to calm dow n, “you’d look like a clown .” “Is this clown a good thing?” he asked. “Not unless you w ere performing in a circus. ” She burst out laughing again. “I do not know this clown or this circus. If you mean to offend me, you’d best use w ords I can identify.” Her laughter w as infectious and he w as finding it hard to be affronted by her good humor. “Just don’t ever w ear them w hen I am around, I w ouldn’t be able to stand it. How w ould it look if I w as laughing the w hole time? It w ouldn’t be good.” “I have never w orn them,” he admitted, somew hat discomfited. “I told my mother I w ore them in the east on special occasions.” Fiona burst out laughing again, tears streaming dow n her face. “You lied to your mother!” “I did not lie! I merely tried to save her feelings,” he retorted. “Do you not spare your mother’s feelings?” “That’s a given. I admit it. But just save those for some special occasion, like your ow n funeral.” Still giggling, she headed for the door. Her bladder w as not going to hold out much longer.

Chapter Thirty-Eight The full heat of summer w as once again upon them. Caravans camped near the oasis, unw illing to cross the broad expanse of w asteland until the temperature dropped. Dust blew in on the hot w inds of the desert, caking everything in its w ake. Fiona had never been a big advocate of summer and this year, the heat only increased her discomfort. Leave it to her to get pregnant so that the baby’s appearance w ould coincide w ith the hottest time of the year! Sleeping w as almost impossible, there w as no w ay to get comfortable, and if she did fall asleep, she w as restless and bad dreams kept her tossing and turning. Each night, Kellach w ould massage her back and feet and she w ould find some relief, but only for a short time. Kellach’s love and comfort w ere amazing things. He forgave her these outbursts of temper w hich came more frequently the closer she drew near the due date and he w as the rock that kept her balanced. Fiona yearned for her mother—how she w ished Mom w as here to help her through this. She w as so ready for the baby to be born, but frightened and nervous at the same time. Xio Li and Tanith w orked w ith her on breathing exercises and w ould w alk w ith her in the early morning or late evening hours. The baby w as kicking nonstop and Fiona w as sure it w as a boy. No little girl could ever be that

Fiona w as sure it w as a boy. No little girl could ever be that annoying! July came and w ent and August w as upon them, the heat almost unbearable. Fiona remained inside most of the time, afraid that she w ould be caught outside w hen the birth commenced. Not that it w as really a problem, she w as so huge that w alking very far w as unthinkable. At times, she w as convinced she carried tw ins, or one really huge baby, w hich w asn’t all that ridiculous, Kellach w as a very big man. No matter w hat, she w anted this over w ith. She w as tired of being pregnant and w anted her figure back. Kellach’s response w as to tell her that she w as beautiful and he planned to keep her pregnant all the time. Now that definitely w asn’t the right thing to say. God! The days passed slow ly and she w as convinced she w ould be pregnant for the rest of her life. Fiona w oke one morning, overly tired and cranky and her back ached so bad, nothing w ould ease it. It felt like a vise grip w as clamping dow n on her spine. Kellach had gone on his usual rounds, checking the herds and the fields, meeting w ith the Council and training the soldiers. The harvests w ere in full sw ing, and it w ould be long hours before he returned. Fiona’s discomfort increased, her stomach feeling like a giant band w as tightening around it. She w as vacillating about w hether or not to go for Tanith w hen her w ater broke. Waddling as fast as she could, she made it across the square, calling for Tanith every step of the w ay. Gone w as the mental training she had w orked on so steadily throughout the pregnancy. She w anted help and she w anted it now ! Tanith heard her cries and ran out, Siran close behind. Taking one look at her, Siran lifted her up and carried her

Taking one look at her, Siran lifted her up and carried her back to Kellach’s abode. A full blow n labor pain cramped dow n and she gasped in pain, ready, but not ready, for this to end. Siran left to find Kellach and Tanith ran quickly to fetch Xio Li, w hile Fiona ranted about Kellach’s inconsideration for her troubles. The labor w ent like clockw ork and except for Fiona, everyone marveled at how quickly it progressed. Kellach had returned posthaste and w as pacing nervously, pausing often to reassure her and lend support. The baby came into the w orld amid screams and curses from Fiona, directed at Kellach for all her pain and suffering. Fortunately, her foul epithets w ere in English, she had yet to learn the finer points of cursing in this language. She w as, by far, her ow n w orst patient. It w as much easier being on the side of the coaching staff than being the coached. Tanith and Xio Li calmly ignored her railings and w ent about the business of getting the baby born. Large and healthy, the baby screamed his displeasure at being torn so rudely from his safe haven and thrust into this strange and scary w orld. Obviously, his lung development w as quite excellent! After counting his fingers and toes and examining closely all the other little parts—or not so little parts—she had no doubt he w as Kellach’s son. He w as perfect, his face a small replica of Kellach’s, even to the small kissing dimple in the center of his little chin. Lots of hair covered his delicate skull, but so w hite he appeared almost bald; Fiona’s one true contribution to his gene pool. Fiona smoothed his soft little head, “I am going to name you Conner,” she w hispered. “Connach,” Kellach interjected, “ Conner is not a clan name.”

name.” Fiona grow led at him. Undaunted, he stood staunch in his resolve. “Okay,” she grudgingly agreed, “Connach, and w e’ll call him Con for short.” Pride and love illuminated his features, as Kellach took his child out into the evening and raised him high, offering him to the four w inds and the Horse God for their blessings, and laughing in triumph as the w inds caressed the child in approval. Visitors and w ell w ishers arrived almost immediately. The birth of a son to a high lord such as Kellach w as a major event in the community and the signs boded w ell for the baby’s future. Prompted by the new s, even Alstrom honored them w ith a visit and w ished them w ell, his face betraying his envy. Con w as a robust and healthy baby, grow ing like a w eed and hungry all the time and, except for those times w hen he w as hungry, he w as a good baby. Fiona healed quickly and w as back to her normal duties of home and patients. She fashioned a sling to carry Con along w henever she left the abode and their presence along the streets became a common sight. Ceara w as a constant companion, loss of her mother had left a great void in her life and she looked to Fiona and Tanith to fill the need. The babies w ere an added bonus for her, and Berlach and Con never lacked for loving arms to hold them. Cyrnon joined them from time to time, but since the boys’ return from their escapade in rescuing Ceara, the tw ins and Cyrnon w ere kept busy learning the art of w ar. They had proven they w ere ready.

Chapter Thirty-Nine The w all around the settlement had finally been approved by the Council, and Kellach w as busy overseeing its construction along w ith a w ealth of other duties. Great poplars from the surrounding hills w ere cut and dragged dow n and the w all w as going up quickly. By the time he returned home each evening, Kellach w as exhausted, but never too exhausted to spend time w ith his child and to lust after Fiona. As her figure returned, so did his burgeoning and constant desire. Some things never changed, and she w as glad of it. She had given up grieving over the loss of her parents, accepting her lot in life and allow ing happiness to take over. She truly believed that some unknow n force had meant for her to be in this place w ith Kellach and their child. Messengers from the outlying settlements came in a steady stream, requesting audiences w ith the Council. Tired of the incessant attacks and the loss of human life and livestock, the settlements w ere joining together to amass a large contingent of w arriors in hopes of formulating a counterattack on the northern nomads. Kellach’s battle and leadership skills w ere w ell know n and they sought his experience to guide them. It w as hoped that such an attack w ould stymie the marauders and force them on the defensive side for once. Kellach listened to their pleas w ith caution, leading them w ould take him aw ay from the

caution, leading them w ould take him aw ay from the settlement for long periods of time and he w as loathe to do that, not w illing to leave Fiona and the baby w ithout his protection. Though she had never openly threatened Fiona, Voadicia had never pretended that she did not hate her and he w orried w hat she might do if he w ere not there to stop her. The Council pressed him for an answ er, clearly eager for him to take charge of the campaign. The w eight of responsibility sat heavily on him and he knew that a decision w ould have to be reached soon, w hatever he decided. In the marketplace, several of the w omen approached Fiona, w orried about the possibility of their men going off to fight and questioning her about the situation. She listened in disbelief! This w as the first time Fiona had heard anything about Kellach being asked to lead. Fear and anger coursed through her. How dare he keep this from her! He couldn’t go, she w ouldn’t let him! W hat if he didn’t come back—w hat w ould she do? Tanith’s reaction w as the same and they headed home, gearing up for a confrontation w ith their men, know ing w ithout being told that it w as only a matter of time. Going to w ar w as in Kellach’s and Siran’s blood and they w ould not allow themselves to be left behind. She w as a shadow , w aiting in the dark house, w hen he finally returned. The baby w as sleeping in his cradle and the quiet w as almost palpable. Kellach slow ly removed his w eapons and undressed, leaving on only his braccae, delaying the inevitable. He knew her too w ell to believe something w as not w rong. W hen, after some moments, she still did not speak, he turned to her, resignedly breaking the silence. “Do you w ish to speak to me?” he began

“Do you w ish to speak to me?” he began unnecessarily. She did not move nor did she answ er. “Are you unw ell, has something caused you concern?” he tried again. She drew a deep breath, as if readying herself for battle. “Tanith and I w ere in the market today. We heard that you w ould be leading the soldiers against the nomads. W hy didn’t you say something to me?” The dam broke, “W hy did I have to learn about it from someone else?! Did you think I w ouldn’t find out? Did you think I w ouldn’t notice if you w ere gone.” Tears overflow ed, coursing dow n her cheeks and falling to her breast unchecked. Kellach moved to comfort her but she jumped aw ay, not giving him the chance. “I haven’t made up my mind to go. I saw no reason to w orry you unless and until I made my decision.” “Your decision? It’s not your decision! It’s our decision to make. We’re a family, or had you forgotten that?” she cried. The baby w oke up w ith a start and started crying. Fiona lifted him up, cradling him to her breast, crooning soft w ords. “This baby needs a father, he needs you and if you go, I’m afraid I’ll never see you again. Don’t you understand? I don’t w ant to live w ithout you. I w on’t live w ithout you.” Kellach flinched at the anguish in her voice. Nothing he could say w ould ease the pain she w as feeling. “Too many have died,” he tried to explain, “more than you can ever know . Too long have w e allow ed them to w ar on us. W e have to fight back or w e w on’t survive.” Fiona w hirled, anger surfacing, “W hy can’t someone else go, w hy does it have to be you?” “The Council has asked me to lead, I am the best

“The Council has asked me to lead, I am the best equipped to do so.” He w as trying to make her understand, trying to make himself believe. “I w ould not do this if I felt someone else w as a better choice.” Her head dropped, and he could barely hear her reply, “No, you w ould go no matter w hat. It’s w hat you w ere bred to do. Nothing I can say or do w ill change your mind. All I can do is w ait and pray that you return.” “Durlach w ill stay behind, he w ill be near you at all times.” Fiona nodded, not prepared to accept the inevitable but know ing she had no other choice. “W hen do you go?” “We leave in three days’ time. Men from every settlement w ill meet at the oasis to the north and w e w ill move on the nomads from there.” “How long?” “I have no w ay of know ing; hopefully, I w ill be home before the first storms of w inter.” “So long,” tears threatened again, “and if it doesn’t go w ell, w hat then?” “I w ill return, no matter w hat. We cannot fight them in the snow s and it w ill be spring before they gather for another strike against us.” Finally, she allow ed him to w rap her in his arms. She cried, tears w etting his chest.

Chapter Forty Kellach refused to be apart from her for the time remaining. Other than a few quick trips to check on preparations for the journey, he spent his time at home. Fiona left her patients to Xio Li’s care and focused on him as w ell. Had it not been for his imminent departure, the days w ould have been ideal. He w as attentive, loving, caring—all the things that she craved and needed right now . Con basked in the special attention and even the dog benefited. Time passed too quickly and they only had this one night before he left. Con w as settled in his cradle, sleeping soundly and Machar had confiscated the dog, needing his support, as Siran w ould leave w ith Kellach in the morning as w ell. Forcing themselves to put thoughts of his departure aside, they made love slow ly, taking their time and relishing each moment. Neither had slept all night and now the first rays of day w ere lighting the sky to the east. Fiona lay w rapped in his arms, w eeping quietly. W hen Kellach rose to dress, she clung to him, afraid to let him go. He held her until she released him. “I w ould not go did I not feel I had to.” “I have this aw ful feeling I’ll never see you again,” she cried, “I can’t stand it.” He stroked her face, looking deeply into her eyes, “We w ill be together again,” he said, “have no doubt about

“We w ill be together again,” he said, “have no doubt about that.” Her tears continued to fall, “I’m holding you to that— don’t think I’m not.” He dressed, pausing often to touch and caress her and w hen Con aw oke, he held him for a long time, cuddling him and playing baby games. Too soon, it w as time for him to leave. Fiona dressed and quickly braided her hair into a long plait, planning to accompany him as far as she could. Warriors gathered in the open square in front of the dw elling, w aiting his command. At least half the settlement’s soldiers w ould be on this campaign, more had volunteered w anting to be part of this great army, but the settlement could not afford to be so undefended. Kellach’s w ar horse had been saddled and brought around and the stallion stomped and reared, fighting the handler for control. The foot soldiers w ere already on the road, along w ith oxen pulling heavily laden carts of food and equipment and camels carrying large bundles of supplies. The horse patrols w ould follow close behind. An air of excitement permeated the men in anticipation of the forthcoming hunt and ultimate battle. Across the square, Tanith clung to Siran. A number of other w omen w ere also in attendance, w anting to be w ith their men as long as possible. Kellach gave her one last kiss, his mouth hungrily ravaging her lips. She gave back all that she could, putting into that kiss every vestige of feeling she had. W hen at last his lips left hers, she felt bereft, as though it w as the last time. A huge w eight pressed on her chest, even the mere act of breathing w as painful. “I’ll send w ord as often as I can,” he w hispered, dreading the moments apart. She nodded, at least there w as that. Kellach mounted

She nodded, at least there w as that. Kellach mounted his horse, his eyes never leaving her and the baby. “We w ill be together again,” he promised, “do not forget that.” He spun the horse around and they cantered off, Siran falling in on the right and Elochad on his left. The rest of the soldiers fell into line and they w ere soon gone from the square. Fiona and Tanith ran behind them, needing to see them for as long as possible. W hen they reached the edge of the settlement, they stopped. Kellach turned and raised his arm, saluting her, his face unreadable. Fiona stood rooted to the spot, her vision clouded by a w ash of tears, w atching until they w ere too far aw ay to see, only a cloud of dust in the distance. A feeling of foreboding pervaded her so strongly that it w as like a miasma hanging over her. Tanith w as w eeping as w ell and sobs could be heard from the other w omen. It w as only w hen Con grew fussy and w anted to be fed that she turned and made her w ay back. The days passed slow ly and only by throw ing herself into her w ork w as she able to endure his absence. The nights w ere the w orst, the bed seemed too big and empty w ithout him. Life resumed, although the departure of so many men w as felt throughout the community. Tension w as high and fighting among the citizens erupted in the streets frequently. As a result, Durlach added extra guards and placed a curfew on the public traffic beginning at dusk each evening.

Chapter Forty-One Voadicia had not allow ed any of her guards to accompany Kellach, seeing this as an opportunity to gain more pow er w ithout having Kellach to deal w ith. Her guards increased their terrorizing and bullying of the citizenry and, on several occasions, Durlach clashed w ith her over their uncontrolled conduct. Voadicia treated Durlach as an inconvenience and w ent about as though she ruled. Alstrom w as seldom in attendance and it w as w hispered that his health w as declining rapidly. Fiona had thus far been able to avoid any confrontations w ith Voadicia and kept her visits to the market at a minimum, draw ing no attention to herself. Tanith refused to be intimidated by Voadicia, throw ing caution to the w ind and declaring that Voadicia had no rights w here she or her family w ere concerned. Fiona feared for her, Voadicia w as not the type to ignore such an offense. A messenger from Kellach finally arrived. They had made it to the rendezvous point at the northern settlement and all w as w ell. Excursions into the high plateaus had failed to find any significant groups of nomads and unless signs w ere found soon, they w ould be returning, w aiting until spring to regroup. Red-faced, the messenger relayed a private message. Kellach sent his love and he missed her every day. Fiona thanked him and sent

and he missed her every day. Fiona thanked him and sent her ow n message back—she loved him too and looked for the day w hen he w ould return. The messenger gulped, how w as he to tell Kellach that w ithout appearing foolish? Kellach w as not one to be reckoned w ith, although w hen he spoke of Fiona, his eyes softened and his harsh demeanor w as less threatening. The messenger had nothing else to add and left as quickly as he had come. Fiona’s heart sw elled. Kellach might be home soon! Her steps lightened and the w eight pressing on her chest lifted. Taking deep breaths, she allow ed hope to spring up. Maybe she had been w rong…maybe she w ould see him again. After that, messengers arrived frequently. Small skirmishes had taken place, but no large groups of nomads w ere encountered. It appeared the rumors w ere just that, rumors and nothing more, and they w ould start home soon. Fiona w as ecstatic, if all w ent w ell, Kellach could be home w ithin the w eek.

Chapter Forty-Tw o Fiona w as outside, Connach lying in his cradle, w hile she ground herbs and hung medicinals out to dry. Xio Li ran up, panting as though she had run a long distance. “Fiona, must come.” She grabbed Fiona’s arm and tried to pull her along. Conan, alerted by Xio Li’s excited attitude, began barking and jumping. Fiona pulled free, “W hat are you talking about, w hat’s going on?” “Baby die if w e don’t get there soon.” “W hat baby? W hat’s happening?” Fiona turned and lifted Con from his cradle, protecting him in case he w as the targeted baby. “Pleasure girl dow n by river have baby and don’t w ant it no more. She take him to desert to die.” Xio Li’s eyes w ere horrified. “She going to kill baby.” “Oh, no,” Fiona gasped, “w hen did she leave?” “Not know . I dow n by river and hear talk. She bad girl,” Xio Li spat out, “should not have baby.” Fiona ran across the square and pushed open Tanith’s door, “Tanith, can you w atch Con for aw hile, I have to go w ith Xio Li.” Tanith nodded, her eyes w ide in confusion. Fiona shoved Con at her and ran out the door, heading tow ards the stables. She led the mare out, saddling her quickly. Xio Li did not know how to ride and w as very frightened of the horse anyw ay, so they rode double, Fiona

frightened of the horse anyw ay, so they rode double, Fiona handling the reins. Xio Li pointed her in the right direction and they cantered off, praying that time w as on their side. They headed tow ards the desert, glimpsing passing patrols in the distance. On and on they rode, the desert looming ahead, fearful that they had been too long. Since it w as late fall, the heat w asn’t as intense, nor the desert as forbidding as it w ould have been in earlier months. They caught sight of footprints heading into the desert, small enough to be from a w oman, but neither of them knew much about tracking and they could be follow ing anyone. They dismounted, finding it easier to be nearer to the ground w hile searching for signs. They lost the tracks in a rocky area so they decided to split up and keep searching. Fiona w alked quickly, scanning the area, hoping to find some indication that the girl had passed that w ay. Scrub brush littered the landscape, providing little cover in the otherw ise barren expanse, and if she w as anyw here near, it should be easy to spot her. Fiona could see Xio Li in the distance, head dow n and searching. Hopefully, they w ould find something soon. Fiona w as beginning to believe that their efforts w ere pointless. She glanced up and noticed buzzards circling in the distance. Her stomach knotted, it didn’t look good. She ran as fast as she could, w aving her arms and screaming, hoping to scare them aw ay. A small form lay on the ground, still and unmoving, a tiny unw illing sacrifice left there by an unfeeling mother. She raced to the tiny body and attempted CPR, but it w as too late! She hadn’t got there in time. The little boy w as dead, his skin tinged blue, suffocated, dried tears still streaking his small face. Rocking his little form back and

streaking his small face. Rocking his little form back and forth, she couldn’t see for the tears spilling dow n. How could anyone be so cruel? At that moment, she hated this place, hated the cruelty and barbarism. Sobs burst from her, she w ould find the mother and make her pay and if she couldn’t, she w ould see that Kellach did. Some things she might have to overlook, but this w as not one of them! She sat there w eeping until her mind registered the sound of galloping horses. A lump of fear grew in her chest as they surrounded her. Voadicia’s mounted guards circled her, their faces malevolent and pitiless. One particularly brutal-looking individual sneered at her, “The sacrifice of children is a crime punishable by death.” Fiona gasped, “I did not murder this child, I w as trying to save him.” The sound of their cold laughter sent chills dow n her spine. “You lie! We have heard of you. This is not the first time you have murdered children. You w ill come w ith us, Voadicia aw aits.” “I am not going anyw here w ith you. I am Kellach’s w ife, you can speak to him w hen he returns.” Standing as tall as she could and lifting her chin, she tried to appear haughty, refusing to allow them to see her fear. “Kellach has no say in crimes committed outside the protection of the military. That right belongs to Voadicia.” Fiona started to shake, dread choking her. There w as nothing she could do but go quietly w ith them. Perhaps Tanith w ould know w hat to do. Her peripheral vision caught a small movement. Xio Li moved as if to stand up. Unseen by Voadicia’s guards, Fiona moved her head in a silent “no,” praying Xio Li w ould understand. “Take her,” the brutal-looking officer directed, “and bring the dead child as w ell. Voadicia w ill w ant to see the

bring the dead child as w ell. Voadicia w ill w ant to see the evidence of her crimes.” Xio Li crouched behind a large boulder, w atching the exchange. It w as her fault Fiona w as here. They should have not left the settlement w ithout Durlach’s protection. Voadicia must have had Fiona w atched, the guards had found them too easily. She w aited until they galloped off and then started back, keeping low and out of their sight. It w as a long w ay back to the settlement, but she had no choice. She had to get there as soon as possible and find help for Fiona. The ride back w as an even greater nightmare. The guards made no effort to disguise their lust, and tossed crude remarks at her at every possible opportunity. They refrained from openly touching her, but Fiona guessed it w as only a matter of time. They w ere excited about the capture of Kellach’s w oman and bragged about how w ell things w ould go for them w hen they brought her before Voadicia. At the settlement, Fiona w as throw n into a barricaded enclosure, along w ith a large number of frightened and confused people of every age and w alk of life. They had been rounded up that morning, accused of various crimes and w ere aw aiting Voadicia’s summons. The charges w ere groundless and stemmed from unfounded accusations of w orshiping foreign gods, unsanctified sacrifice, w hatever that w as, and some had been imprisoned simply because of their foreign heritage. The latter one really got to Fiona— Voadicia calling the kettle black. From the guards’ comments, it appeared the only punishment for these crimes w as death. None of the prisoners’ requests w ere given any consideration and outside contact w as not allow ed. By this

consideration and outside contact w as not allow ed. By this action, Voadicia had effectively eliminated any help they might have received. Fiona w andered around aimlessly until she found an open spot and sat dow n. Dazed by the events of the day, she w as confused and the overw helming stress had taken its toll. She w as so tired, and her breasts ached, it w as long past the time to nurse Connach. Hopefully, Tanith had enough milk for both babies, but there w as alw ays goat’s milk if nothing else. Fiona missed the feel of her baby in her arms, her mind cried for Kellach. It w as hot in the enclosure, little effort had been made to provide any comfort from the elements. W hat few seats there w ere had long since been taken. A filthy slop bucket stood in the corner, a further testament to the conditions they w ere forced to endure. **** Hot, dusty and thirsty, Xio Li finally made it back to the settlement. She cautiously w orked her w ay through the streets, carefully avoiding any contact w ith Voadicia’s guards. It w ould not do for her to be captured along w ith Fiona, someone had to w arn the others. The streets w ere quiet and too little traffic w as about for this time of day. Something w as not right. She finally made it to the soldiers’ quarters but Durlach w as not there and w ould not return until later that evening. Leaving urgent w ord for him to find her immediately, she headed back to Tanith’s. The door w as throw n open as soon as she rapped, Tanith pulled her in and asked a thousand questions. “That sorceress, Voadicia, has her!” Xio Li cried. “They take her aw ay, I don’t know w here.” “W hy?” Tanith exclaimed. “W hat did she do?” “They say she killed baby, make sacrifice.” Xio Li’s face betrayed her fear. “She not do, only try to save.”

betrayed her fear. “She not do, only try to save.” “W e need to find Durlach right aw ay.” “I try, Durlach not here, not be back until tonight.” Tanith paced the room, w ho else could she go to that she trusted? Few faces came to mind. Those she did trust w ould be w ary of confronting Voadicia and she could not be certain of their help. “W hy did Voadicia take Fiona?” Machar anxiously asked. Tanith stopped, draw ing him to her, “She says Fiona did something bad, but w e know she didn’t.” She mentally w orked through their options. If she forced the issue, her children as w ell as Con could be in danger if Voadicia decided to move against them. Her position w as precarious as w ell, but something had to be done or Fiona w ould be lost. She w as finding it hard to believe that Voadicia w ould actually hurt Fiona, but her actions left little to the imagination as to her mental stability. Tanith had heard about the earlier round up of citizens and she knew that it w as only because of her family’s influence that she w as not among them. Tanith turned to Xio Li, “Go find Cyrnon and bring him back here,” she directed, “hurry now , w e don’t have much time.” Xio Li ran out the door, heading tow ards the stock enclosure, know ing that Cyrnon w ould most likely be there. Tanith w rapped the babies up, and hurried to her parents’ home. Nuala opened the door, her face w orried. “I need you to take care of the babies and Machar. Both of you need to go,” nodding to her father, “pack up enough food for a w eek, take one of the goats w ith you to feed the babies, and leave. Head to the river and follow it until you are far enough aw ay so that the patrols w on’t

it until you are far enough aw ay so that the patrols w on’t find you. Stay there until I or someone you know and trust comes for you. I need you to do this, I need to know you are safe.” Tanith spoke rapidly, her urgency transmitting itself to her parents. “W hat’s happening, w hy are w e doing this?” Nuala questioned. “Voadicia has taken Fiona and I think she w ill come for me soon and I do not plan to make it easy for her. Durlach returns this night and w e w ill do w hat w e can to free Fiona.” “I w on’t leave you behind!” Nuala cried. “You must come w ith us. Durlach is better equipped to handle this than you.” “No, Mother, I need to stay. He w ill need my help. The other Lords trust our family and they w ill listen to me. I can’t desert Fiona. She has no one else.” Baroc stood up, “It should be me that speaks to the others.” He w avered slightly, his w eakness all too evident. “They w ill listen to me,” Tanith said softly. “I am your daughter, the sister of Kellach and the w ife of Siran, they w ill know my w ords speak the truth.” His head dropped, there w as no disputing Tanith’s w ords, Baroc knew that. Tanith w as stronger than he. “If the children are w ith you,” she said, “I know you w ill keep them safe, no matter w hat.” Baroc nodded, “W ith my life.” “Get ready and w hen I send w ord, go out the w est end of the settlement and w ork your w ay dow n to the river. We w ill clear the w ay for you. Be ready.” She kissed them both, and hugged all the children, fear knotting her stomach. “I don’t w ant to go,” Machar cried, hugging her neck

“I don’t w ant to go,” Machar cried, hugging her neck tightly. “Please let me stay w ith you.” She gently unw rapped his arms, “I need you to go w ith them, I need you to help take care of Berlach and Con. You have to be very quiet and help them keep the babies quiet. This is very important. Take Conan w ith you, but tie his mouth so he doesn’t give you aw ay by barking. Do you understand? “ Machar nodded solemnly, tears glistening in his eyes. Tanith kissed the top of his head, w ondering if she w ould hold him again. So like his father, fiery but sturdy and strong. She w alked to the door, her heart heavy. “May the Sun God bless you,” Nuala w hispered. Tanith half-smiled, “All of us, I hope.” Xio Li met Tanith as she came from her parents’ house. Cyrnon and the tw ins w ould meet them near the horses’ pasture as soon as it w as dark. Voadicia had posted her guards at frequent intervals and especially near the horses. No one w ould be allow ed to leave w ithout her approval. Tanith cursed this bit of information, but somehow that w ould be circumvented. She packed dried meats and flat bread and gathered w ater skins, enough for a w eek. That w ould be more than enough if she had calculated right. If any longer than that, it w ould not matter anyw ay. W hen full darkness fell, they made their w ay to the edge of the settlement, moving in the shadow s, stopping often to listen. A figure stepped out of the shadow s, causing Tanith to gasp in surprise. “We have been w aiting for you,” Cyrnon w hispered. “Keep to the shadow s,” Tanith directed. To her dismay, one of Voadicia’s men w as guarding the horses, crouched near a small fire, his eyes trying to pierce the

crouched near a small fire, his eyes trying to pierce the darkness. He w as not a bright one, she thought, or he w ould have know n not to stare across the fire, he w ould have had it at his back. “You need to w ork your w ay through the herd and find your horses. Once you do that, slow ly lead them to the eastern edge of the herd, make it appear that they move on their ow n. Keep below the line of the horizon and w hen you are finally by the patrols, ride hard to the eastern settlement. Find Kellach and Siran and bring them back. Do not stop until you find them.” Cyrnon nodded, his eyes shining in the dark, “Xio Li said Voadicia had taken Fiona. W hat’s she going to do to her?” His voice shook and she could read his anxiety. “I think she w ill kill Fiona if w e don’t stop her,” bluntly she stated her conviction. “Voadicia w aited until Kellach w as not here to protect Fiona and now she thinks to finish it. W e can’t let her.” A single tear coursed dow n Cyrnon’s face, “W hy w ould anyone w ant to hurt Fiona. She has never hurt anyone, she only does good.” Behind him, the tw ins nodded their agreement. “Voadicia hates the fact that Kellach chose Fiona above her. That is something she w ill not accept and destroying Fiona is her goal.” Tanith’s w hispered w ords hung in the air, a dirge of lament. “Can you sneak by the guard?” Tanith leaned close. “I think so,” Cyrnon said, “though it w ould be easier if something distracted him.” Xio Li had held back but stepped forw ard in response to Cyrnon’s statement. “I get his attention. He know me, he pay for Xio Li many times before.” Resolve settled on her face. “Fiona help Xio Li and Mei Mei w hen no one else

face. “Fiona help Xio Li and Mei Mei w hen no one else w ould. Now can help Fiona.” Turning to the boys, she said low and fierce, “You be ready, I make him forget to w atch.” She turned, “Be back.” She disappeared in the darkness, returning in short order carrying a flagon of w ine. She loosened her tunic, dropping it to her w aist, baring her breasts. The young healer became the seasoned prostitute. Assuming a provocative stance, one hand on her hip and the other sw inging the flagon of w ine, she strutted through the darkness into the light of the fire. The guard jumped up, trying to identify her. Xio Li knew him to be vulgar and crude, a boorish braggart, nervous at standing w atch. “Man w ant pleasure girl,” Xio Li crooned, “can make you happy.” She moved nearer. The guard stiffened, anxiously glancing around. “You’re not supposed to be here.” “Crazy man, no one here but Xio Li. Xio Li goes w here she w ant. Xio Li w ant you.” She reached up, running her hands through his hair. Disgust w elled up at his bad smell and the feel of his greasy hair, but she forced it dow n, “Xio Li not take all your coins, only a few , Xio Li best pleasure girl.” He grinned, his teeth brow n decaying stumps, “I’ve been dow n by the river lots of times looking for you and you w eren’t there. I missed you.” He fumbled at her skirt. Xio Li chuckled, low and husky. “Work in big house as servant. Xio Li not like being servant,” she w et her lips w ith her tongue, slow ly, enticingly. “Not like that w ork, like to pleasure men. You w ant pleasure?” She opened the flagon and offered him the w ine. “No one around, w e alone,” she urged. “We have good time.” He grabbed the w ine and drank a large draught, w ine dripping dow n his chest.

drank a large draught, w ine dripping dow n his chest. Tossing the empty flagon aside, he grabbed Xio Li, his mind only on the expected delights she w ould provide. Tanith w atched and listened. W hen she w as sure Xio Li had the guard’s full attention, she turned to the boys, “Go! Leave now ,” she w hispered urgently as she handed them the packets of food and the w ater skins. “Be careful and return as fast as you can.” Cyrnon hesitated, “W hat about you? Voadicia w ill be looking for you too.” “Don’t w orry about me, just hurry as fast as you can and bring Kellach back. Fiona’s life depends on that.” Cyrnon hugged her, and then turned to leave. “Cyrnon,” she urgently w hispered, stopping him, “if I don’t survive, tell Siran my last thoughts w ere of him.” Tears choked her, so much depended on the boys’ success. Cyrnon’s eyes flashed his understanding and then they w ere gone, silently slipping through the herd. Tanith w aited, her breath caught in her throat, expecting at any moment for the alarm to be sounded, but nothing happened, Xio Li had done her part w ell. Cyrnon w orked his w ay slow ly through the herd, searching for Uasail. A few of the horses nickered softly in recognition, he w as w ell know n to them. A soft nose pushed at his back, Uasail nudged him, expecting the treat that w as alw ays there. Cyrnon pulled his head dow n, scratching behind his ears and blow ing into his nostrils, w hispering secret w ords that only Uasail understood. Turning, he w alked quietly through the herd, Uasail follow ing, happy to be w ith his beloved master. At the edge of the herd, Cyrnon w aited. The tw ins arrived shortly, leading their horses, nervously looking behind them. All w as quiet, no shouts of alarm. Keeping their pace slow , staying

quiet, no shouts of alarm. Keeping their pace slow , staying dow n and allow ing the horses to meander along, they w orked their w ay across the open space to the base of the hills. They stayed to the shadow s and below the skyline, stopping at the slightest sound and proceeding only w hen they w ere sure it w as safe to do so. Hours later, they w ere finally past the furthest paths of the patrols. Leaping on their horses, they rode hard, tow ard the eastern settlement, praying that the horses w ould not falter in the darkness—praying that they w ould not be too late. Xio Li collected her coins, he w ould be suspicious if she did not. She turned to go, “You show Xio Li good time, I not forget you.” As she expected, he puffed out his chest, preening, sure he w as the best she ever had. Pig man, she thought. She w alked through the dark, Tanith silently joining her. Together they made their w ay through the streets, ducking behind cover w henever they encountered strolling guards. Tense and nervous, they w orked their w ay around to the soldiers’ quarters, praying that Durlach w ould be there. They had almost reached their destination w hen a figure stepped out. Tanith froze, her heart racing. “W here have you been, I’ve been looking everyw here for you,” Durlach’s voice came softly. Tanith’s knees almost collapsed, her relief w as so great. “We’ve been looking for you, too. We sent Cyrnon and the tw ins to find Kellach. Xio Li had to distract the guard to help them get through.” He led them to his quarters and closed the door, lest anyone know they w ere there. The soft light of the candles reflected off their faces. Both w ere pale, and bruises w ere evident on Xio Li’s face and neck. She had been roughly used.

face and neck. She had been roughly used. Durlach reached out, tracing the bruises. “W ho did this to you?” Xio Li jerked aw ay. “Not matter. Only Fiona matter.” He w ould not push it, but it w ould be easy to figure out w ho it w as and punish the offender. He w ould see to that. Tanith looked ready to drop and he led her to a chair. “Tell me w hat has happened, w hy did you send for Kellach.” Tanith drew a deep breath, “Voadicia has taken Fiona and charged her w ith the murder of a child. Fiona w as trying to save the child but Voadicia refuses to listen. I do not know w hat the others’ supposed crimes are, but you can be sure she w ill try to make them stick. She has rounded up those w ho openly oppose her and she thinks to prove her w orthiness to rule by eliminating them. She decides w ho is guilty and w hat the punishment should be. The Council is divided and none are w illing to outright oppose her w ithout Kellach’s backing. I fear for Fiona,” her voice broke. “W here did they take her?” “I am not sure, but I think they have taken her to the enclosure near the Chieftain’s dw elling. No one is allow ed near it. That is all I know .” Durlach mulled over the matter. It made no sense. Voadicia certainly did not believe she could ever succeed! Although his contacts suggested that Voadicia w as beyond control and behaving as one demented. “If w e not get Fiona out, Voadicia w ill kill her,” Xio Li sobbed. “Someone need to stop Voadicia.”

Chapter Forty-Three Fiona shivered in the chilly night air, a mist forming as she breathed. The prisoners had been denied any blankets or coverings and the w omen huddled close, trying to stay w arm. She w as luckier than some, a few only had on their night clothes. Voadicia’s guards had broken into their homes and forced them out, not even allow ing them to dress. Some of the faces she recognized from the marketplace, all w ere frightened and grouped together for comfort. A few older men also imprisoned w ith them sat on the edges of the huddled w omen, intending to protect them if possible from Voadicia’s guards. Earlier, a pot of thin w atery gruel had been tossed into the enclosure, their only sustenance thus far. Though tasteless, Fiona forced hers dow n, needing to keep up her strength. Her eyes roamed the area, searching for possible avenues of escape. Few guards w ere posted, but the w alls w ere impossible to climb, the w ood smooth on this side w ith no visible foot or handholds. She must have dozed off w hen one of the w omen nudged her aw ake, “Someone is asking for you,” she w hispered, “over by the w all.” Fiona slow ly edged over, the w omen moving just enough for her to get through and covering her movements w ith their bodies. “I’m here,” she w hispered, hoping it w as not another of Voadicia’s games.

of Voadicia’s games. “We are doing w hat w e can to free you,” Durlach’s voice came softly. “Do not give up hope. We have sent for Kellach.” A guard threw open the gate and strode in, carrying a torch, “W hat goes on here? W ho are you talking to?” he roared. One of the younger w omen stood up, “I am not feeling w ell. I…I w as just trying to get to the bucket. I w ill try to be more quiet.” The guard backhanded her across the face hard, knocking her to the ground. “See that you do. I don’t w ant to come in here again.” The young w oman cow ered, holding her cheek, her eyes flashing in the flickering light. One of the older men moved as if to stand up, but the w omen held him back. The guard sneered at him, daring him to move, then turned and stomped back out, laughing at his inability to fight back. An older w oman crept out of the group and pulled the young w oman back, holding her close, crooning to her. At least Durlach w as trying to help them, Fiona thought, relieved. If w e can just survive until Kellach returns. Durlach crept back the w ay he came. He had grow n up in the settlement and few places w ere unknow n to him and getting close to the enclosure had been a simple matter. The guards w ere dozing and relaxed, convinced that no one w ould be foolish enough to attempt to rescue the prisoners. W hen he w as beyond their hearing, he ran back to the soldiers’ quarters. A group of his most trusted soldiers had gathered, w aiting for his return. Too few , he thought, but it w ould have to be enough. Durlach paced as he spoke, “They have Fiona as w ell

Durlach paced as he spoke, “They have Fiona as w ell as some of the families of Kellach’s supporters. They appear to be w ell right now , but w e w ill have to act soon. I don’t think Voadicia w ill chance w aiting, she w ould have to know that Kellach returns soon.” Agreeing, they w aited for his instructions. “If w e attack before daylight, w e may be able to free them, there are only a few guards posted at the moment, but if w e w ait until full light, more w ill come.” He didn’t need to say anything more, they rushed to prepare, eager for a fight, all had suffered in some w ay at the hands of Voadicia’s guards. Durlach returned to his quarters, hastily gathered his w eapons, preparing for battle. Tanith and Xio Li rushed to him as he came in. “Did you see her?” Tanith grabbed his arm. “Is she w ell?” “I spoke to her, I let her know w e had sent for Kellach. I could not tell her more, the guards w ere suspicious and I did not w ant to attract their attention any further.” Tanith grabbed her w rap, and started to leave, “I w ill go to as many of the High Council as I can and plead for their support. If I can persuade enough of them, Voadicia w ill be forced to stand dow n.” She turned to go and Xio Li follow ed. Tanith faced Durlach, “Do not fail, my friend, or w e are lost.” It w ould be light in a few short hours. Durlach and his men crept through the settlement, shadow s in the night. A few strolling guards, w earing Voadicia’s colors, w ere quickly dispatched, their bodies hidden from sight. W hen they reached the prisoners’ cage, Durlach silently motioned for his men to take cover and w ait for his signal. A guard tow er rose at one end of the enclosure. A single guard stood w atch, but he w as careless and his

single guard stood w atch, but he w as careless and his attention kept drifting. No doubt, he had been on guard most of the night and w as anxious for his duty to end. Other than the tow er guard, only four other guards w ere in attendance. Unless he w as mistaken, Durlach w as sure they could overcome the guards and free the prisoners. The sky had not even started to lighten w hen sounds of fighting outside the compound w alls could be heard. Screams of pain and shouting erupted. The prisoners huddled together in fear; the w omen w ailing and moaning, convinced that Voadicia’s guards w ould soon attack them. It w as only by sheer w illpow er that Fiona controlled her desire to begin screaming as w ell. The fighting lasted for only a short time and then it ceased. The gate w as throw n open and a few bloodied men w ere tossed into the compound—Durlach among them. Fiona’s last hope died. Pushing her fear aside, she moved quickly to him, checking his w ounds. The most severe w as a large gash to his side and a contusion on his head. His eyes opened, tortured and grief-stricken, “They knew w e w ould come and w ere w aiting for us. Someone I trusted betrayed us. I failed you!” “It isn’t your fault,” Fiona w hispered, trying to calm him, know ing it w as useless. “Voadicia is to blame.” One of the other men w ould not last the day w ithout immediate attention, his w ounds w ere too severe and she had no w ay of treating him properly. Fiona mourned him, he w as a young man, full of promise, but that promise w ould not be fulfilled. They made him as comfortable as possible, the w omen taking turns holding his hand and comforting him.

Chapter Forty-Four Nothing happened to the prisoners as a result of the morning skirmish. Guards came and w ent, and other than coarse remarks and jeering, they w ere left alone. Gruel w as again provided, this time it had some sort of stringy meat in it. Fiona w as afraid to ask w hat it w as so decided to leave good enough alone. The heat in the enclosure rose as the sun came up, a w elcome relief from the cold night. Mid-day, Briga entered the compound, follow ed by a large number of her servants carrying blankets, food, clean w ater and extra clothing. She w alked around, distributing the goods and murmuring soft w ords of comfort to each one, making sure all w ere attended to. Pleas for mercy follow ed her and her face reflected their anguish. Her promise w as made to each that she w ould do everything she could to secure their release. Ignoring the scow ls and w ords of disapproval from the guards, she took charge of the children as w ell as the severely hurt young man and moved them out of the compound, her attitude daring the guards to say anything to her. She w as still first w ife and they knew better than to be disrespectful to her. She tried to take Durlach as w ell, but he refused to go, opting instead to stay w ith Fiona. One of the survivors of Durlach’s skirmishers, Garym, had managed to escape and w ork his w ay back to Tanith

had managed to escape and w ork his w ay back to Tanith w ith w ord that their plans had failed and Durlach w as either dead or captured. Tanith listened w ith horror and disbelief, w hat little hope she had managed to sustain died as he spoke. Xio Li sank to the floor, sobbing and moaning, her sorrow and fear too much to bear. She had been so sure Durlach w ould bring Fiona back to them. W ithout Durlach to lead the fight, Tanith knew there w ere few alternatives left, but she had to do something. Gathering her things, she instructed the young man to hide outside the settlement until she sent w ord, assuring him she w ould contact him soon. There w ere people to see and a story to be told and she w ould not stop until she had forced every one of them to listen. Having no other choice, she pressed on, continuing to seek supporters among the Lords of the tribe, careful to avoid those w hose loyalty she questioned, and careful to avoid any confrontation w ith Voadicia’s men. If she w ere throw n into the compound w ith the prisoners, it w ould not go w ell for any of them. She needed to be free to unite those opposed to Voadicia. Her mind drifted to her children, saying a prayer for their deliverance and asking for help from the Gods that Siran be returned safely to care for them if she w ere not able. Few of the Lords turned her aw ay, most w ere w illing to join her, but unw illing to assume the role of leader, w orried that w ithout Kellach’s help, they w ould invite Voadicia’s w rath. Tanith did her best to convince each that Kellach w as returning and if they could hold out until then, he w ould challenge Alstrom’s rule and Voadicia’s plans w ould be thw arted. None disputed Kellach’s ability to make that happen—alone he w as a viable threat to Voadicia’s schemes, but w ith his army behind him, he w as invincible. Having met w ith most of the Council members and

Having met w ith most of the Council members and the Lords of the tribe, she made plans to meet w ith Briga. W ith Briga on their side, Voadicia w ould be hard-pressed to follow through on any of her threats to harm the prisoners. Alstrom had long sought Briga’s consult and Tanith did not think he w as so foolish as to repudiate her advice now . Meeting w ith Briga w ithout Voadicia learning of the meeting w ould be a problem. Briga seldom left the Chieftain’s dw elling and Tanith w ould not be able to attend her there. She turned to Xio Li, her faithful companion throughout this trial. “We need to get w ord to Briga to meet somew here. Do you know any of her servants?” Xio Li shook her head no, but then brightened, “I know man w ho guard Briga, he pay for me many times, he like Xio Li. He good man, fair, not hurt Xio Li and he not like Voadicia. I find him.” Tanith breathed a sigh of relief, “Tell him to have Briga meet me in the early evening near the river behind the stables, make sure he tells no one besides Briga.” Xio Li nodded, “Go now , be back soon. You not w orry, he help us, I know .” The w ait seemed interminable but Xio Li finally returned, she had found the guard and he w ould do w hat he could. He sent w ords of encouragement and his vow to stand behind them w hen the time came. Tanith and Xio Li spent w hat little time remained of the day hiding from Voadicia’s guards, and making their w ay slow ly dow n to the river, staying to the back streets lest they draw unw anted attention. Long before the appointed time, they rested by the river, w aiting for Briga to come. All Tanith’s hopes rested w ith Briga. W ith Briga as their champion, more w ould dare to join them and stand against Voadicia. A stealthy movement by the river drew her attention.

A stealthy movement by the river drew her attention. Her senses told her to flee, something w as not right! Xio Li backed into her, she w as nervous as w ell. More movement! Rushes parted and metal glinted and clanged as soldiers closed in. They had been betrayed and there w as no chance for escape! Tanith’s stood proud, the blood of her forefathers bracing her, though her heart w as breaking. There w as nothing she could do, there w ere too many of them. To fight w as pointless. She w ould not give them the satisfaction of executing her now . Kellach w ould return soon, she had to believe that. A guard stepped forw ard, “Lady,” he said almost apologetically, “you are to come w ith us.” “W here do you take me,” Tanith questioned him. “You are to be taken to the prisoners’ compound to aw ait sentencing in the morning.” “Of w hat crime am I charged?” “You have been charged w ith the crime of inciting rebellion, Voadicia has issued the order to arrest you.” Several of the guards snickered. Another guard pushed forw ard, of higher rank than the one before her. He dumped a severed and bloody head at her feet. “We have reason to believe you w ere scheming w ith this,” he kicked the head, “scum to kill Briga.” Xio Li gasped, turning to Tanith and speaking quietly, “That Xio Li’s friend, they kill him!” “Not before he told us everything he knew about w here you w ould be and w hat you had planned,” the guard boasted, a cruel smile w idening his lips. Tanith sneered in return, “She has you w ell trained, her little army of dogs. W hat rew ards do you get in return?”

return?” “Cease your prattle, you are ordered to come w ith us. If you don’t come, w e have orders to kill you on the spot.” “Kill me?” she asked. “And w ho w ill protect you w hen Kellach returns if you do such a thing?” “Voadicia assures us that Kellach w ill not return,” he sneered. “Do you come or do you die?” “It seems I have no choice,” she said. “I w ill come and I w ill remember your face so I can point you out to Kellach w hen the time is right.” He raised his arm as if to strike her but the younger guard stepped in his w ay, preventing such an action. The younger guard reached to take her arm, but Tanith jerked aw ay moving ahead of her ow n free w ill, refusing to allow any of them to touch her. She w as a highborn w oman and they w ere nothing. Xio Li made as if to join her, but w as cruelly shoved out of the w ay by a coarse-looking lout of a man, “Stay out of the w ay, slut, w e have no orders for you.” Tanith marched over to Xio Li, uncaring of the sneers and threats directed at her. Holding Xio Li close, she w hispered, “I w ant you to follow the river until you find my parents. Stay w ith them and protect them. I have no doubt that Voadicia w ill be searching for them as w ell. Stay there until someone comes for you. Do you understand?” Xio Li nodded, her face troubled and confused. “Not w ant to leave you! W ant to stay, help Fiona!” “I know you do, but the best thing you can do right now is to keep my parents and the children safe. You are the only one I can trust to do that.” Xio Li turned to go, but ran back and hugged Tanith. If anyone hurt her new found family, she w ouldn’t be able to bear it. They w ere all she had now that Mei Mei w as

to bear it. They w ere all she had now that Mei Mei w as gone. “I promise,” she vow ed, “be careful,” she pleaded. “Voadicia very evil. She w ill try to hurt you.” At least Xio Li w as safe for the moment. Tanith looked back. Xio Li stood by the bank of the river, her eyes filling w ith tears, her arms reaching out as if to hold her. Tanith dipped her head slightly, her eyes focused on Xio Li’s, w illing her to understand. Xio Li nodded, she w ould do as Tanith asked. W hen they reached the prisoners’ compound, the gate w as opened and Tanith w as roughly shoved inside by the ranking officer. Fiona ran to her, grabbing her and holding her tightly. The tears that Tanith had thus far managed to contain spilled dow n her cheeks. Fiona comforted her, pulling her to the spot she shared w ith Durlach and some of the other w omen. All w ere know n to Tanith and all shared the same fate. “W hat happened?” Fiona w hispered. “Have you managed to contact Kellach?” “Cyrnon and the tw ins w ent to find him, but w e have no w ay of know ing w hether they did,” Tanith w hispered back. “If I had my sw ord, they w ould not be able to take any of us,” Durlach grow led. “I w ould die fighting.” His head dropped, he w as alive w hen so many had died. “Garym survived. He told us w hat happened. He is in hiding outside the settlement. He w ill be ready w hen Kellach comes.” Fiona hugged her, “He’ll come soon, I know he w ill. I can feel it.” “I hope so,” Tanith replied, “for both our sakes.” Fiona looked tow ards the guards, her eyes narrow ed and her lips tightened, “The guards keep taunting us,

and her lips tightened, “The guards keep taunting us, saying Voadicia w ill carry out our sentence in the morning. I think she means to kill all of us.” Tanith agreed, though she w ould not say it aloud. To say such a thing aloud w as to invite the punishment of the Gods. “We have to believe Kellach w ill return before she can make that happen,” Fiona refused to believe anything else. It w as all she had. They huddled w ith the rest of the w omen, the night had grow n cold but at least w ith the coverings Briga had provided, the night w ould not be as uncomfortable as the previous night had been.

Chapter Forty-Five Xio Li w orked her w ay carefully dow n the river, guided by the light of the moon reflecting off the w ater. Negotiating the terrain w as slow , brush and small trees grew densely along the river, preventing her from moving quickly in the dark. Nervously, she eyed the reeds and w ild grasses grow ing on the banks. Great orange and black cats had been glimpsed prow ling in this area and there w ere too many places w here these ferocious beasts could w ait in ambush. More than one luckless victim had been dragged off, never to be seen again. Her ears w ere tuned to the slightest w hisper of sound, each a potential attack, and more than once, animal eyes gleamed in the darkness. Her skin craw led and she w anted nothing more than to find a good hiding place and w ait until morning to continue, but she kept going, her promise to Tanith giving her courage. Tow ards morning, as the first rays of the morning sun began to lighten the sky, she came upon a small encampment, abandoned and deserted. Supplies and equipment w ere scattered carelessly around, forsaken by the ow ners. Xio Li picked up a small garment—one she knew only too w ell—and held it to her heart. It w as the same one she had seen Fiona w orking on many times. Nuala, Baroc and the children w ere gone, and she had no idea w here they w ere. Conditions of the camp indicated

idea w here they w ere. Conditions of the camp indicated that they had not left w illingly. A soft w himpering sound came from some small bushes nearby. Startled, she turned, fearful that w ild animals or bandits had chanced upon her. To her relief, Conan craw led out, a crusted gash oozed over the top of his eye and an arrow stuck out from his hindquarters. Xio Li ran over and knelt beside him, scratching his ears and crooning to him. He w as hurt, unable to stand, but w hined and licked her hand in recognition. The arrow , its head buried in the soft tissue of his flank, w as decorated w ith the colors of Voadicia’s soldiers. Gripping it tightly, she pulled the arrow out, blood spurting in a red arc. Pressing a rag tightly against the w ound, she held it there until the bleeding slow ed and then bound it w ith a length of cloth ripped from the edge of her shirt. Taking off her w rap, she laid the dog on it and then carefully lifted him up, tying the ends of the shaw l across her forehead, forming a sling. Conan did not fight her, instead relaxing against her back, w elcoming her comfort and nearness. A cursory search of the ruined camp rew arded her w ith a half-filled w aterskin and a few handfuls of dried meat. Tears dripping dow n her face, she resolutely started the trek back to the settlement. It w as up to her to save everyone, she w as all that w as left. There w asn’t much time and it w as a long w ay.

Chapter Forty-Six Morning came too soon. The prisoners milled about nervously, w ondering w hat w ould happen and w hen. Midmorning, they w ere still w aiting, nerves stretched to the breaking point, tension almost physical in the cool morning air. Fiona looked at the sky. It w as a beautiful clear day, no clouds in the sky and a gentle breeze softly blew . Would this be the last time she w ould enjoy such a small pleasure, she w ondered. How could so many ugly things exist under such a beautiful sky? It w as one of life’s ironies, ugliness beneath the beauty. The gates sw ung open and Voadicia’s guards entered the compound. They searched among the w omen, shoving them out of the w ay after confirming their identities. One by one, they checked each w oman until there w as only Fiona and Tanith left. Fiona w as grabbed by tw o of the guards, as w as Tanith, and they w ere dragged from the compound, fighting, kicking and biting all the w ay. They w ere taken to the open courtyard in front of the Chieftain’s dw elling, forced to their knees and held there by Voadicia’s guards. On a raised platform, strategically situated, Voadicia, sw athed in a pure w hite tunic, reclined on a lounge draped in blood red silk. Her priestesses stood behind her, their high pointed hats a testament to their lofty stations, and establishing their positions as judge, jury and executioner.

establishing their positions as judge, jury and executioner. Fiona had no doubt that she had been judged by Voadicia alone. Fiona gasped as another group of guards entered the square. Nuala and Baroc w alked among them, Connach and Berlach held tightly in their arms and Machar trailing behind. The babies w ere yanked aw ay and placed on the ground, nothing to protect them from the glaring sun, both sobbing from hunger and w eariness. Machar w as roughly shoved near them, falling to the ground, his small face frightened and sad. Nuala tried to go to them but w as forced back near Baroc, his head dow n in shame. Tanith struggled harder, trying to get to them and received a hard punch in the stomach for her efforts, taking her breath aw ay. She lay on the ground gasping, glaring at her captors, refusing to cow er. Voadicia rose seductively, gliding dow n the steps of the dais, like a panther ready to strike. She stopped in front of Fiona, “So, little dove, your time has come. I do not think there is a question of your guilt.” She turned to her priestesses, “Do any of you w ish to plead for her?” None did. Playing her role of ruler to the hilt, she w aved her arms, calling loudly, “Bring forth the body of the murdered child.” A guard hastened to do her bidding, returning w ith the small sad body. “Is that the child you saw this w oman,” pointing at Fiona, “murder?” Voadicia asked the guard. “This is the child,” the guard confirmed. “She w as holding the baby w hen w e found her. She had just murdered him.” Fiona w as outraged! He w as a lying bastard! “I did no such thing, the baby w as dead w hen I found him!” “Silence!” roared Voadicia. “The prisoner has no right

“Silence!” roared Voadicia. “The prisoner has no right to speak here.” Voadicia looked at Fiona, “It appears your guilt is not in question.” Fiona’s chin lifted, her eyes sparking green fire, “Is this w hat you call a trial?” Voadicia shrugged, unconcerned, “No trial is needed. It is my right to judge you.” “W hat right is that?” Fiona sneered. “My right as first w ife. I find you guilty as charged. Your sentence is death,” she finished casually. Fiona laughed softly, staring into Voadicia’s eyes, “You couldn’t w in any other w ay, could you? But no matter w hat, you w ill never have Kellach. He w ill kill you. Mark my w ords.” “Do you threaten me?” Voadicia mocked her, “Kellach w ill not return, he w ill not save you.” Turning to the guards gathered in the square, she dramatically w aved an arm at Fiona, “Did you hear the criminal speak? She curses me w ith her w ords.” Tanith jerked free, moving to stand behind Fiona, “You lie, Voadicia! Fiona speaks the truth! Kellach returns soon.” She pleaded w ith the guards, “Do not let Voadicia do this! Fight her!” Voadicia motioned to a guard w ho struck Tanith from behind, knocking her to the ground, and holding her there. Fiona w as dragged to the center of the square. She w as held immobile w hile manacles w ere locked around her w rists. Horses w ere led out and long chains w ere attached to the manacles and then looped over the saddles. Tanith began screaming and the guards moved uneasily. “Do not let her do this!” she cried. “Stop her!” Fiona sw ayed, praying silently for Kellach to come,

Fiona sw ayed, praying silently for Kellach to come, know ing it w as too late. Alstrom stepped out of the Chieftain’s dw elling, his face shocked and questioning. “Voadicia, w hat is the meaning of this? W hat are you doing?” “Go inside, old man, this is none of your concern,” Voadicia sneered, “leave this to those w ho can take charge and rule.” He w as roughly shoved back by tw o of the guards w ho then stepped in front of him, preventing his further interference, w arning him if he tried. Several guards w ere standing near a hot brazier to the side of the square. Voadicia w aved her arm and they ran forw ard carrying tw o burning metal rods. At Voadicia’s direction, the guards grabbed Fiona’s long silken hair and forced her head back, preventing her from moving. Voadicia taunted her, relishing the scent of fear emanating from Fiona, “Never w ill you see the faces of your loved ones again, and you w ill w ander the afterlife blind and alone.” In the depths of Voadicia’s eyes, madness lurked, pitiless and cruel. Fiona panicked, struggling fiercely, all the w hile w atching as the red hot brands neared her face. She could feel the heat on her skin, blisters forming even before the rods stabbed into her eye sockets, blinding her, the flesh searing to black as the rods pierced her skin. Fiona screamed uncontrollably over and over and then mercifully fainted, sagging against the bonds that held her. The horses lunged, held back by their handlers, stomping nervously, made uneasy by the smell of burning flesh and the screams. Voadicia strutted around in triumph, savoring the moment to the fullest, drunk from excitement, w anting it to last. Outside the confines of the square, a crow d of angry people had gathered, armed w ith w hatever they could find

people had gathered, armed w ith w hatever they could find to use as w eapons, trying to push past Voadicia’s guards. The guards stepped forw ard, nervously forming a line to stop their entry. Voadicia stopped her triumphant parading, alarm flashing across her face. She had not counted on there being any resistance to her once Kellach w as gone. It seemed her plans had a slight flaw . The crow d surged forw ard, forcing the guards to give ground. Consciousness returned slow ly to Fiona. It w as as though she w ere sw imming in a sea of agony. Intense w aves of pain radiated from her tortured face. Vaguely, she could hear the babies w ailing and Tanith’s sobs and, distantly, the sounds of an angry mob. A small spark of anger floated through Fiona, forcing its w ay to the surface. Barely able to speak, she managed to w hisper, “Rot in hell, Voadicia!” Voadicia turned on her, screaming in rage, w anting Fiona to craw l and beg for mercy, mercy w hich she w ould not give. Grabbing a w hip, she lashed the horses repeatedly, over and over. Fiona’s tormented screams echoed through the square, the horses straining to run, the chains stretched tighter and tighter. As the moment of death touched her, Fiona felt Kellach’s presence, long enough for her to say goodbye. Voadicia laughed maniacally, w hipping the horses until they bolted, tearing Fiona apart and mercifully releasing her.

Chapter Forty-Seven Fiona w as falling, falling, falling through a long black tunnel, w hirling and spinning out of control. She w as on a journey of darkness, beyond the realm of physical being. Plummeting dow n, dow n, through a bottomless crevasse, alone and w ithout substance. Time w as inconsequential, distances immeasurable. Unfettered by connections and commitments, free at last! As though from a great distance, a voice called her name, “F-I-O-N-A! F-I-O-N-A!” She didn’t w ant to hear it, she w anted to be released from this w orld and float aw ay in the void. “F-I-O-N-A!” the voice called again. “NO!” She cried, “leave me alone—leave me alone!” On and on she tumbled, the darkness lifting, light w ashing over her, bathing her in the w arm glow . “Fiona, come on, Honey, w ake up,” her mother’s soft voice coaxed, “come on, Honey, you can do it.” Fiona’s eyes fluttered open. Maeve’s beautiful face hovered over her, lines spider-w ebbed her forehead, tired circles rimming her eyes. Fiona shrieked and threw herself up, fighting and crying, screaming for Kellach and Con. “Kellach! Kellach! W here are you? Con, my baby, Con! W here is he, w hat did she do to him?” Maeve fought to hold her dow n, tears streaming dow n her face, “There you are, Sw eetie, it’s okay! You’re all right. Just relax...relax! I’ve got you.”

all right. Just relax...relax! I’ve got you.” “Mom, oh Mom! They’re going to kill Con, I know it! I have to go to him, you have to help me!” Crying hysterically, she fought to stand, pain w racking her body. “I have to go to him, I have to save him.” “W ho, Fiona? W ho do you have to save?” Maeve said, “I don’t know w ho Kellach or Con is! I don’t know w here they are.” Fiona stopped struggling, dazed and confused. She glanced around, she w as in a hospital, a modern day hospital; and Mom and Dad w ere there, w orried looks on their faces. She looked dow n, a hospital gow n covered her, a cast sheathed her arm. Her head hurt and she w as not thinking clearly. This w asn’t right, she shouldn’t be here. She had died, she knew she had. “I’m dead,” she stated flatly, “I died.” “No, Honey,” Mom said. “You w ere in a car crash and you w ere badly hurt but you aren’t dead. Goodness, no w onder you’re acting so w ild.” “I don’t understand,” Fiona w ailed. “I w as w ith Kellach and Con and Voadicia killed me.” “You must have been dreaming,” Maeve tried to reason w ith her, “and it’s not surprising that you w ould have such terrible dreams. You w ere hurt pretty bad. W e’ve been so w orried.” “How long have I been here?” she cried. “Since the night of the Festival, four days now ,” Maeve said. “They didn’t find you until the next morning, you had been throw n from the car and you must have w andered aw ay. We w ere so scared. Dad and I helped w ith the search and then someone dow n in the valley found you and you w ere brought here unconscious. You’ve

found you and you w ere brought here unconscious. You’ve been unconscious since.” “That can’t be! I know I’ve been aw ay for almost tw o years.” “No, Baby, you’ve been right here, right in this bed.” Tears glittered in Maeve’s eyes. Fiona couldn’t understand, it all seemed so real, every single day and everyone she met had been real, they hadn’t been a dream. She knew it! She w ouldn’t believe otherw ise. “W ho is Kellach and this Con you talked about?” Dad hesitantly asked. “Kellach is my husband and Con is my baby, they are, I know they are!” she cried. “I w on’t believe they w ere just a dream, I w on’t, I w on’t!” She turned aw ay, facing the w all, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed. Fiona’s parents looked at each other, helpless to comfort her, helpless to understand.

Chapter Forty-Eight The dream came again last night, frightening in its intensity and more detailed than ever before… **** Tanith could not bear to look, gore flew everyw here, and a trail of blood follow ed the horses as they ran from the square. Her mind could not accept w hat w as before her. Tears streamed dow n her face and she sagged against her jailers. Con and Berlach w ere crying hysterically, ignored by the uncaring guards. “Follow the horses and recover the w itch’s body. Take it into the desert and bury it.” She looked at Connach, “And take her brat w ith you. Bury him w ith her.” Several of Voadicia’s guards hastened to do her bidding, taking the screaming baby w ith them as they headed out tow ards the desert. “No!” Tanith screamed, “do not do this! Is your bloodlust so great that you w ould kill an innocent child?” “Careful w hat you say, sister of Kellach, it w ould not trouble me to send you to follow the w itch in the afterlife.” “I am surprised you have not done so already,” Tanith w hispered, “your actions say otherw ise.” Tanith w as forced to her knees, her arms pulled tightly behind her by Voadicia’s guards. Her head w as jerked back and Voadicia moved to stand in front of her. “You thought to trick me,” she sneered. “I knew

“You thought to trick me,” she sneered. “I knew w hat you planned before you planned it.” “You killed Fiona and took his babe, Kellach w ill have his revenge,” Tanith grated. “Kellach cannot touch me, the Counsel w ould not allow it.” “The Counsel w on’t be able to stop him.” Hatred glittered from Voadicia’s eyes, “They w ill protect me, I am first w ife.” The angry mob broke through the line of Voadicia’s guards. “You are not first w ife,” Briga stepped from the crow d. “I am first w ife and I say Kellach has the right to do w ith you w hat he w ill.” She faced Voadicia w ithout hesitation. Heads nodded, the crow d’s allegiance had changed and many moved to stand w ith her. She turned to Tanith, “I w eep w ith you,” she said sadly, “Voadicia had locked me in and I could not get here soon enough to save the other. Your maid released me.” Xio Li stepped out of the crow d, her face aw ash w ith tears. An older man stepped forw ard. Rodan, head of the Counsel, spoke, “This ends now . You took that w hich w as not yours to take.” Heads nodded in agreement. Tanith spat in the dust at Voadicia’s feet, doom sounding in her voice, “Know you this, Kellach w ill have his revenge. You have dared to do w hat none should have. Be prepared! Kellach returns soon and, w hen he does, that moment w ill be your last. Of that, I am sure.” Voadicia’s venom w ould not be contained, “Best you silence yourself or you face the same sentence as the blonde w itch.” Tanith faced her proudly, “I am not afraid of you. Soon you w ill be as if you never w ere. Your time is short.

Soon you w ill be as if you never w ere. Your time is short. Kellach w ill see to that.” Voadicia w hirled, “Take her to the desert and dispose of her along w ith the others.” No one moved and angry murmurs burst from the mob. Tanith w as the daughter of a respected Lord and beyond Voadicia’s treachery. They had seen and heard enough. None stepped forw ard. A w ar carnyx blared in the distance. Tanith smiled, taunting Voadicia, “Kellach comes, are you ready?” Voadicia hissed, “He does not have the right.” “He has the right, I give it to him,” Briga thundered. “It is my right as first w ife to decide your fate, and your fate is to face Kellach! Release Tanith!” she demanded. Tanith’s guards stepped back, confusion on their faces. Their positions w ere tenuous at best and Kellach’s w rath w ould leave none untouched. The crow d advanced closer. Several of the guards turned and ran, escaping from the obvious consequences that their actions entailed. Kellach’s w rath w ould not be appeased until all w ere punished. Tanith collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably, and Briga moved to comfort her. Voadicia made as if to run, but the angry mob surged forw ard, catching her in their midst. A guard called from the tow er, “Kellach approaches!”

Chapter Forty-Nine The long column w as headed home. It w as useless to continue searching any farther. The nomads had retreated to their w inter camps and it w ould be spring before they resumed their raids on the settlements. Though only a few skirmishes had been fought, the journey w as tiring and all w ere w eary. Kellach w as not unhappy w ith the decision, being aw ay from Fiona and the baby did not set w ell w ith him. He hoped to be home before tomorrow evening, if all w ent w ell. Large groups had been breaking off as they traveled, heading home to their respective settlements. Besides his soldiers, only tw o other groups still accompanied them. Siran rode beside him, discussing the events and prospect for success in the spring. Shouting filtered back through the column and the ranks parted as men on horseback made their w ay tow ards the rear. Kellach looked up, surprised as Cyrnon forced his w ay through the mounted w arriors tow ards him. The tw ins follow ed behind, both riding one horse, and all three looked fearful and anxious. A sinking feeling of dread coursed through him. “Kellach,” Cyrnon cried, “you must return to the settlement quickly, Fiona’s life depends on it!” Kellach pulled his horse to a stop, “W hat is the meaning of this? W hat has happened?” “Voadicia imprisoned her and Tanith is afraid Fiona w ill

“Voadicia imprisoned her and Tanith is afraid Fiona w ill die unless you get back and stop Voadicia!” A red haze of rage burst through Kellach’s constraint. Voadicia had w aited until he w as out of the w ay before attempting the takeover, and Fiona w as in her grasp. He w heeled his horse, and spoke to the nearest mounted soldier, “Give me your horse, and your w ater.” The soldier jumped off quickly and handed the reins to Kellach. Kellach forced his w ay out of the column, leading the extra horse, cursing his inability to move quicker, “Elochad,” he directed, “take over here. You are in charge.” Siran grabbed another horse, follow ing close behind, along w ith several other mounted soldiers, and the small band charged off. The three boys turned as if to follow Kellach but Elochad held them back. “W hat happened to your horse,” he asked the tw in riding double. “He w as blow n, he couldn’t run anymore,” he replied sadly. Elochad nodded his understanding, “You did w ell,” he said, “but it’s time to let Kellach take over. Your horses cannot carry you any further. They need to rest.” The boys slid off their horses, exhaustion making them w eak. More soldiers dismounted and allow ed them to ride, they w ere too tired to make the long w alk back. Kellach raced through the day and into the night, alternately praying and cursing the Gods. The horses labored under the pace, short rest stops w ere all he w as able to allow them. They alternated the horses so they w eren’t carrying w eight the entire time. One rider w ent dow n, his horse’s leg broken in the fall. They left the soldier there to be picked up by the column, taking his spare mount and hurrying on. Kellach raged, it w as taking too long and he w as still too far aw ay. His fury mounted as the

long and he w as still too far aw ay. His fury mounted as the miles flew under his horse’s hoofs. On and on he raced, know ing that he w ould be too late, but asking the Gods for time and promising everything if his prayers w ere granted. Far in the distance, the first signs of the settlement came into view . Kellach’s horse w ould run no more after this ride. He w as broken, only continuing because of his great heart and love for Kellach. As they approached the gates, the horse w avered, slow ing to a w alk, unable to run any farther. Kellach rubbed the animal’s neck, “That’s okay, my old friend, you did the best you could.” As if bolstered by Kellach’s voice, the horse kept going forw ard. The great w ar horns sounded from the tow er. Stunned, the crow d turned. Kellach, the Destroyer, had returned. Sliding dow n from his horse, he approached the sobbing Tanith, “W here is Fiona and the babe?” he said softly. Tanith’s heart w as breaking and she couldn’t look him in the face, “Voadicia murdered her and they took the babe into the desert, I couldn’t save him.” Tears streamed dow n her face and great sobs w racked her body. “I could not save her and they took the babe,” she w ailed. Kellach’s great body shuddered. Rage against the Gods and these butchers coursed through his brain. He roared his grief to the heavens, and w hen he could rage no more, he turned to the crow d. Reason had flow n and all that remained w as the promise of retribution. His eyes burned and his face became the face of death. All w ho aided Voadicia saw his countenance and knew their end w as near. He drew his great sw ord and stalked forw ard, cold fury burning from his eyes. Voadicia’s priestesses fell to the ground begging for his mercy, but he had none to give.

give. He stopped in front of Alstrom, his face uncompromising, “Your days to rule are done. I claim leadership of the tribe. Do not let me see your face ever again in this lifetime. Leave now w hilst I can still contain myself. I ow e you that much.” Alstrom barely dipped his head, shame and guilt rendering him speechless. Rodan stepped forw ard, “The Council is behind you, w hatever you say, w e w ill do.” Kellach turned to the crow d, “Voadicia is mine!” he roared. “Her punishment is mine to seek.” Voadicia screeched, “I but did w hat w as for the good of the people, she murdered a child and had to be dealt w ith.” Voadicia squirmed, kicking and fighting w ildly w ith her captors, terror giving her added strength. Kellach moved to stand in front of her, touching her neck w ith the tip of his sw ord, slicing a thin red line, “You dared to touch w hat w as mine. You took the one thing I truly loved because you could not have that love yourself. For that, your sentence is death and I am the slayer.” W ith one great sw eep of his long sw ord, Voadicia’s headless body fell to the ground. Her priestesses tried ineffectively to escape, but w hen it w as over, all w ere dead. Behind him, Siran and the others finally caught up. Siran leaped dow n and took the sobbing Tanith in his arms. Those of Voadicia’s guards w ho had not ran knelt in obeisance, but Siran w ould not be mollified, and he quickly and efficiently dispatched them. “W hich w ay did they take my son?” Kellach turned to Tanith. “To the north—into the desert, leave now or it w ill be too late.” Kellach caught the nearest horse and leapt on. “I go

Kellach caught the nearest horse and leapt on. “I go to save my son.” He w heeled the horse around and raced out of the settlement, disappearing into the distance. **** The man startled aw ake, sw eating profusely, his stomach knotted in anguish. The dreams w ere coming more frequently and more intense than ever before. He sat on the edge of the bed, his face in his hands, desperately praying for the dreams to end.

Chapter Fifty After her discharge from the hospital, Mom and Dad had brought her home w ith them, moving her things from her apartment and doing their best to draw her out of the w all she had built up. Each day w as like the last, colorless and w ithout interest. She w as listless, depressed and emotionally torn. Nothing could persuade her that everything she had experienced w as only a dream, and she grew tired of trying to convince everyone otherw ise. Her arms ached for Con, her heart cried out for Kellach. She w as a w ife and mother, w ithout a husband or child. A grieving w idow of a man long dead, though to her it w as only yesterday. The comfort of her parents’ home w as a blessing. Though physically able to care for herself, Fiona nonetheless needed their emotional support. Fiona passed much of the time sitting on the front porch and staring out into space, reliving each precious moment of her time w ith Kellach, Con and the others, and mourning w hat once w as. It w as hard to let go, she could still feel the softness of Con’s baby hair and skin, feel Kellach’s heart beating as she lay against him after making love. She could still hear Machar’s laughter and see Tanith’s smile. For her, it w as only yesterday, for the w orld, it w as a page in ancient history. Sykes rubbed affectionately against her leg. He had been at her parents’ home since the accident, grow ing

been at her parents’ home since the accident, grow ing even fatter if at all possible and ecstatic w ith all the extra attention, happy to be here. She reached dow n and picked him up, burying her face in his fur. He purred in contentment, until he heard Mom clattering in the kitchen and struggled to get loose. He jumped dow n, heading off to see w hat the commotion w as and hoping for a tasty tidbit. “Traitor,” Fiona called after him. She doubted he w ould be w illing to leave next time, he w anted this to be his home and she couldn’t blame him. Mom peaked out, “Did you say something, dear?” She asked hopefully. “Nothing important, just talking to Sykes.” Mom’s forehead creased, “Maybe you could try talking to Dad and me, w e at least w ould answ er.” Fiona looked at her, Mom’s eyes expressed her sympathy and w orry, “One of these days, soon, w e’ll have a long talk, all of us; right now I don’t think I could get through it w ithout falling apart.” Maeve smoothed her hand dow n Fiona’s hair, “I don’t know w hat you’re going through,” she said, “but it w ould help to talk about it, I know it w ould.” Tears formed in Fiona’s eyes, “Someday, Mom, just give me some time. I just can’t talk about it yet.” “Well, just don’t clam up for too long, you need to get some of those feelings out, get mad, throw things, scream, w hatever, just don’t let w hatever it is keeping eating at you,” Mom turned to go back into the house. “Soon, Mom, soon. Don’t w orry too much about me, I’ll be okay.” Fiona stood up and stepped dow n off the porch, “Mom,” she called, “I’m going to take a short w alk.” Mom hurried out, “Do you w ant me to go w ith you?”

Mom hurried out, “Do you w ant me to go w ith you?” “No, don’t w orry about it, I’m just going around the block, I need to get some exercise.” “W ell, don’t be gone too long, dinner’s almost ready.” W ith a small w ave of her hand, Fiona headed dow n the sidew alk. The noises of modern day living assaulted her senses—cars driving dow n the street, doors banging, airplanes overhead. Everyone here w as in such a hurry; a hurry to leave and a hurry to get w herever they w ere going. She had never noticed that before, it had been such a normal part of life. At the settlement, she had been busy, but never in a hurry, things w ere done w hen they w ere done, there w ere no clocks to w atch, no deadlines to meet. Life w as slow er, harder, but slow er. She w alked for a long time, dow n busy streets, along quiet avenues and even sat for a time in the park, w atching the children play. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slow ly. A small bloom of acceptance started to grow inside. It had been almost five months since the accident and it w as time to start letting go. Kellach and Con w ould live on in her heart and she w ould never forget one moment of their time together, but the rest of her life w as here and there w ould be no going back. Time to start living again; one day at a time. She w hispered a prayer for them, a w ish that their lives had been blessed w ith health and prosperity. A lump formed in her throat, it w ould have been so w onderful to grow old w ith Kellach, w atching Con grow to the man she hoped he w ould be. She slow ly made her w ay home, more at peace than she had been for some time. Mom rushed out the minute she started up the w alk, “W here have you been? Dad and I have been looking everyw here. I’ve been so w orried” the

have been looking everyw here. I’ve been so w orried” the w ords came out in a rush. Fiona started, it w as almost dusk, she had not even noticed the passing of time, she w as so caught up in the memories. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” she apologized, “I just started w alking and thinking and I didn’t even notice how much time had passed. I’m really sorry!” Maeve hugged her, “Just don’t do that again. I w as sure something terrible had happened. Dad’s out driving around looking for you.” She grabbed her cell phone and dialed him, “Jim, she’s home…yeah, she’s okay. Come on home.” “Mom,” Fiona said hesitantly, “after dinner, let’s have that talk. I think it’s time. It’s going to be hard for me, but it’s time.” They sat around the kitchen table, their hands linked, as Fiona told the story. Told them about w aking up alone, being found, falling in love, having a baby and, lastly, the moment of her death. Tears flow ed freely, hers as w ell as Maeve’s and on more than one occasion, she w itnessed moisture in Dad’s eyes as w ell. They w aited patiently w hen, at times, she w as too overcome to speak and murmured w ords of encouragement, love, and anger as she spoke. W hen she w as finished, they all sat quietly for aw hile, lost in their ow n thoughts. “Well, I can tell you,” Maeve grow led, “if that Voadicia person w as alive today, I w ould just have to kill her myself.” “Maeve!” Dad scolded her, “I can’t believe you said that!” “Well, I w ould,” she said unrepentantly, “she w as a terrible person, she deserved to die. This Kellach, w as he a good man?” “He w as a w onderful man!” Fiona exclaimed, “He w as

“He w as a w onderful man!” Fiona exclaimed, “He w as everything I ever w anted!” Maeve w hispered, “And I had a grandbaby I’ll never see or know . That is so sad, I can hardly stand it.” Neither of her parents made any comment about disbelieving her, and she appreciated their w illingness to listen and, if not believe, at least not disbelieve. Sighing, Maeve spoke again, “Honey, I don’t know how to comfort you, I can’t even imagine w hat happened or w hy.” Dad, quiet Dad w ho hardly ever had an opinion about anything other than his w ork, spoke softly, “Do you suppose this could be a genetic memory? I have never studied it myself, but there are those in science w ho do believe memories can be genetic transmissions of know ledge. I think there has been some research into that theory at the University of W isconsin and I believe I read something somew here about that also at MIT. I believe Carl Jung said something about all of us having an unconscious legacy or collective consciousness from the past. I didn’t read the w hole article, but it did catch my eye once.” Surprised, Fiona could only stare at Dad, first, because he actually offered an opinion and, secondly, because it truly sounded plausible. Mom jumped in, “You know , I’ve been talking to some of my friends w ho know people w ho have had hypnosis done into past life regressions. Maybe you w ere this person in another lifetime. And w hat about all those religions that believe in reincarnation? Maybe you’re the reincarnation of a w oman w ho lived back then.” “Do you think so? Do you think maybe w e had an ancestor a long time ago w ho lived that life and for some reason, her memories cropped up in me?”

reason, her memories cropped up in me?” “I don’t know w hat I believe, Honey,” Maeve said and Dad nodded, “but for some reason you have all these memories and there has to be a reason.” “Perhaps the trauma of the accident forced those memories to the surface,” once again, Dad made an observation totally out of his professional acumen. “But w hat about all the times in the past w hen I w as thinking about you guys or my life here? If I w as experiencing someone else’s memories, w hy did that happen?” Dad shrugged but added, “Perhaps some of your ow n memories or desires surfaced and w ere intertw ined w ith those of the other w oman’s. W ho know s?” Fiona stood up and rounded the table, standing betw een them and hugging them as if her life depended on it. “Thank you! Thank you for not saying its crazy or I am dreaming or acting like I am crazy or something, although I could be,” she smiled, the first smile Maeve had seen on her face in quite some time. Maeve breathed a soft sigh of relief, it had been so hard trying to comfort Fiona w hen they couldn’t find the right w ords. Dad stood up and hugged her back, hard enough that Fiona’s breath escaped in a small gasp. “Mom and I just love you so much and w e’ve been hurting along w ith you. We hate it w hen our baby is so unhappy.” Embarrassed by all the feminine show of emotion, he turned aw ay, “I have some w ork to do.” “W hat’s that, Dad?” They had show n interest in her, it w as time to show some back. He turned, surprised. Fiona had never asked about his w ork before. “We’re sending a team to China. There are some new ly discovered archeological sites that have

some new ly discovered archeological sites that have divulged a w ealth of stunning information. W e think they’ve barely touched the surface and w e’re trying to get permission to help in the excavations.” “Sounds interesting! If you don’t mind, maybe I can look over some of the information?” “Anytime,” he grinned, “maybe I’ll make an archeologist out of you yet!” Maeve huffed, “She’s going to be a nurse, you know that.” “Actually, Mom, I kind of had a change of heart. Maybe it’s because of all that has happened. I think I w ant to try something else for a change.” “You’ve w anted to be a nurse your entire life!” “I know , and I’m not saying that I w on’t eventually end up a nurse. I just w ant to try something else for a change. I’m not sure w hat that is, but I have plenty of time to decide. The semester is already over and I probably flunked all my classes anyw ay. There goes my scholarship.” Maeve disagreed, “Don’t they usually make some sort of special dispensation for car w recks or other hardships? I thought if there w ere some mitigating circumstances, or w hatever that w ord w as, they w ould review it.” “I’ll check into it, but anyw ay, I think I’ll check out some other things. W ho know s, I might decide to become a dream psychologist!” “If you’re really interested,” Dad said, “I have some files on my desk and you’re w elcome to go through them anytime.” “I’ll check my appointment book,” she pretended to leaf through a book, “tomorrow looks good, how about tomorrow ?”

Chapter Fifty-One It w as several days after their family meeting before Fiona actually felt motivated enough mentally to review Dad’s files. He w as sitting at his desk, drinking coffee and thumbing through piles of documents w hen Fiona entered his study. He glanced up, a w ide smile splitting his mouth, “So you did decide to invade my private domain after all?” “If it’s so private, w hy doesn’t it have a door?” she quipped, an answ ering smile on her face. “Never needed one before, I think this is the first time you’ve actually ventured in here.” She laughed, “I think I might have been in here one or tw o times, at least to sneak some change out of your draw er.” “That’s w here all my coffee money w ent!” He laughed “I kind of figured that out after about the millionth time looking for my change.” He handed her a stack of documents, “Have at them! I haven’t had a chance to sort them out yet.” “And I’m surprised because…?” Paper organization w as not one of Dad’s talents, he w as a fieldw ork man. “I’ll see if I can arrange these in some sort of order.” She began a cursory sorting and arranging of documents and photographs, planning a more in-depth review after they had been categorized. Most of the pictures depicted mummies, not mummies in the Egyptian-

pictures depicted mummies, not mummies in the Egyptianmummy sense, but mummies unlike any she had seen before. “W here are these from,” she asked quizzically, flipping through the pictures, “they don’t look like any mummies I know of.” “They’re from China!” “China? These are from China? But they look like they have light colored hair.” “They do,” he said, “all shades of red, blonde and brow n.” Her stomach began to flutter, “How old are they?” He considered, “Oh, betw een 2,000 and 4,000 years old.” “That old!” she exclaimed. “W here w ere they found?” “They w ere excavated from the Xianjang Province of China, right in the middle of the Taklamakan Desert.” She studied the pictures closer, murmuring, “Place of no return.” “W hat did you say,” Dad leaned closer, his eyes w idening. “I said, place of no return, w hy?” “How did you know w hat that meant? Have you read about these before?” He seemed confused. “No,” she said, “I’ve never read anything about them.” W ithout realizing it, her hands began to shake, the papers vibrating in response to her tremors. Her eyes w ere focused on the picture of a young blond w oman, partially dismembered. “W ho is this one,” she croaked. “Don’t know . Possibly a sacrificial victim.” He pointed to the picture, “Notice how her low er torso is missing and her arms have been torn out below the elbow s. Appears to have had her eyes gouged out as w ell. She w as found in Tomb 2, along w ith a mummified baby boy and an older

Tomb 2, along w ith a mummified baby boy and an older w oman. Other than that, w e don’t know .” Fiona staggered slightly, gripping the edge of the desk for support. Dad looked up and froze, his eyes taking in her shaking hands and the paleness blanching her face. “W hat’s the matter? Are you okay?” Concerned, he rounded the desk, taking the documents from her, “Maybe you’d better sit dow n for a few minutes.” The room tilted! Fiona felt as though she w ere suffocating, her breath coming in pants, a band of pressure constricting her chest. “I…think I’m… having an…anxiety attack!” she gasped out as black spots danced through her vision. Dad did w hat Dad alw ays did in any emergency, “Maeve!” he yelled, “Get in here! Maeve!” Mom rushed in, “W hat’s the matter? W hat’s going on?” She took one look at Fiona’s face and rushed for the kitchen. In tw o seconds she w as back, w aving a brow n paper bag and forcing it over Fiona’s nose and mouth. “Breath in,” she coaxed, “come on, Honey, breath in, slow dow n your breathing. That’s it,” she crooned, “you’re doing fine.” The bag collapsed and filled as she breathed into it. Slow ly, Fiona relaxed, her breathing eased and the dark spots blacking her vision vanished. Reaching up, she pushed the bag off her face, and took a number of cleansing breaths, “I thought I w as going to faint!” Dad collapsed w ith a thump, “So did I! You almost gave me a heart attack!” “W hat’d you do to her?” Maeve yelled at him, “you know she isn’t feeling completely w ell yet!” “I didn’t do anything,” Dad defended himself, “she w as looking at those pictures and the next thing I know ,

w as looking at those pictures and the next thing I know , she almost fainted on me.” His hands w ere shaking as w ell. “I didn’t know w hat w as happening!” “Mom,” Fiona interjected, “Dad didn’t do anything! It w as the pictures.” “Pictures, w hat pictures? W hat kind of pictures w ould make you faint?” Fiona handed her the pictures of the mummies, “These, Mom, these upset me.” Maeve took a quick look at the photos, “Well, yeah, I can see w hy. They’re pretty gruesome.” Turning to Dad, she shook the pictures at him, accusing him again, “W hy’d you let her see these?” “No, Mom, stop!” Fiona jumped in, “It w asn’t the pictures, w ell, it w as the pictures, but specifically, it’s this picture.” She handed Mom the one of the young female sacrificial victim. “Look at w hat she’s w earing?” Mom took the picture, turning it clockw ise, perusing it carefully. “She’s w earing some sort of shaw l or w rap. It kinda looks like…it looks like the one I made for you,” surprise darkened Mom’s face. “All messed up and old looking, but it could be a tw in of the one I made!” Fiona nodded, her eyes glued to the photo, “It’s kind of hard to tell, but if you imagined the colors brighter and all cleaned up, it w ould be so close.” “Are you sure you haven’t seen these pictures before?” Dad stepped in. “No, Dad, this is the very first time. I’m sure of it.” Fiona turned on a desk lamp to get a closer look, “Are these mummies part of the reason you are going to China? W here did you say?” “The Xinjiang Province in China; northern China actually. It’s a huge archeological find and several

actually. It’s a huge archeological find and several universities have been pressing the Chinese Government for permission to visit the sites w here the excavation is taking place, and also view the mummies at Urumchi.” “Urumchi?” “It’s a city and there’s a museum. A lot of the mummies are housed there. That young blonde w oman is one of them.” “W hen did you say you w ere leaving?” Her heart pounding, Fiona w aited for his answ er. “Possibly next w eek, if I can get all the travel arrangements made.” “I need to go w ith you,” Fiona begged, “please, take me w ith you!” He frow ned slightly, “I don’t know …I don’t know if I can w ork it out at this late date. The Chinese w ill only allow so many in and my team has been picked for months.” “Dad, I need to go, please, do w hatever. I’ll do anything to go w ith you. Please, please!” “It isn’t a pleasure trip. We’ll be out in the field and busy all the time. There w on’t be time for anything but w ork.” “I don’t care. I just need to go!” Green eyes sw imming in tears pleaded w ith him. “W hy is it so important that you go?” “I need to see that blonde mummy and I need to look at the baby too. It’s really important to me, Dad. I’ll never ask you for another thing if you’ll just try. I promise!” He paused, considering her plea, not w anting to disappoint her, “I’m not promising anything, but I’ll see w hat I can do. You have a passport, right?” Fiona jumped up, hugging him tightly, “Yeah, yeah, I got one three years ago just in case I ever got to go

got one three years ago just in case I ever got to go anyw here.” Excited, she danced around, “Thank you, thank you!” “Now don’t get your hopes up too far,” he chided. “I said I w ould try, that doesn’t mean it w ill happen.” “I know , I know . But I know you’ll make it happen, I just know it!” She ran out of the room, more animated than either of them had seen her for quite some time. “W here are you going,” Maeve called after her. “I’m going shopping and then I’m going to pack. I w ant to be ready,” her voice faded as she ran out. Maeve turned to her husband, “You’d better make this happen, I think her heart w ould be broken if you don’t.” He stared out the door, thoughtfully contemplating his options, “One of my team w asn’t really too excited about going, maybe I can see if she w ould be w illing to surrender her position on the team and stay here. I have some research that needs to be done anyw ay and she might be more interested in that. I can at least ask, and if that doesn’t w ork, I know a few people w ho ow e me some big favors. Maybe I can pull a few strings.” Know ing he w ould move heaven and hell to help his daughter, Maeve pulled his face dow n for a long kiss, “Did I tell you today how much I love you?” “Yeah,” he said, pulling her close, “but you can tell me again. Better yet, how about show ing me?”

Chapter Fifty-Tw o Dad’s teammate w as more than agreeable to relinquishing her spot to Fiona, but due to China’s strict policies on foreign travel, Fiona w as not able to go as part of the University group, w hich had already been granted special travel dispensations. A number of the areas the staff w ould visit w ere “closed” traffic areas and special permits w ere needed, and there w as not enough time to go through the process for Fiona. Rather, she w ould go along as a tourist attached to the group, but not actually allow ed on-site at some of their destinations. Fortunately, one of the University’s Chinese contacts w as w illing to fax a letter of invitation for Fiona, and a Chinese travel Visa w as issued in short order, again through her father’s numerous contacts. Fiona threw herself into travel preparations, getting vaccinations, being tested for HIV, of all things, ow ing to the fact that China did not grant Visas to people infected w ith the virus, and purchasing airline tickets. There w ere a few rough moments w hen it appeared she w ouldn’t be able to be on all the same flights as her father, but once again, fate intervened and she managed to get her schedule arranged so that she w ould travel w ith him. They w ould fly out of Detroit to Los Angeles, from there to Beijing, China. The morning of their departure finally arrived. Fiona

The morning of their departure finally arrived. Fiona had been up and dressed for hours, nervously pacing the floor, w orried that something w ould happen at the last moment to delay their departure, anxiously aw aiting the arrival of the transport van the University had reserved for the short trip to Detroit. Everything w as on the front porch, ready for loading the minute the van arrived. “Now are you sure you have everything?” Maeve quizzed them for the hundredth time. “W hat w e don’t have, w e’ll do w ithout,” Dad assured her, “just don’t w orry about us, w e’re adults,” he said, w inking at Fiona. “I know that,” Maeve snorted, “but you w ould forget your ow n head if it w asn’t attached.” “Well, Fiona’s along to make sure it doesn’t get left somew here,” Dad laughed. “Quit w orrying, w e’ll be fine.” “You should come w ith us, Mom, it’ll be interesting.” “I don’t w ant to go to China, and don’t blame me if something happens and the Communists arrest you and you’re stuck there for years in some terrible prison.” Worry creased Maeve’s face. “Nothing’s going to happen to us,” Dad reassured her, “a representative of the Chinese Government w ill be w ith us all the w ay and w e w ill be under their protection.” “Quit w orrying, Mom, w e’re pretty much going to be ushered around all the time, I doubt w e’ll have much time to ourselves over there, anyw ay. It’s going to be fine.” A horn sounded out front. “The van’s here,” Dad began gathering up his briefcase and carry-on luggage. Fiona’s carry-on consisted of more of Dad’s research materials; she w anted to spend as much time as she could review ing everything before their arrival in Beijing. Everything she had read thus far only enhanced her desire

Everything she had read thus far only enhanced her desire to visit China. She w as almost positive that China w as the starting point in her search for clues as to her regressed memories. Thousands of years may have passed since the life she or her ancestor had lived, but maybe some small remnant of that life still existed today. She needed to go on this trip, needed to have some closure. Maeve gave each of them a big hug. “You guys be careful and don’t do anything stupid. I don’t w ant to have to come over there and save you,” she sniffed, tears forming. “Now , Maeve, don’t start. We’ll only be gone three w eeks. Think of all the fun things you can do w ithout having to answ er to me.” He hated the time aw ay from Maeve, but she w as not interested in his fieldw ork and he didn’t pressure her otherw ise. For the most part, fieldw ork involved a lot of dirt, heat, poor conditions and long hours. Not much time in there for anything Maeve w ould find even vaguely interesting. He w as pleased, though, that Fiona w as opting to accompany him. Giving Maeve one more big hug, they gathered the rest of their things and headed out. Several of the associate professors w ere already sitting in the van and, after a few more stops to load the rest of the group, they w ere on their w ay. They ran into the usual delays and frustrations at the airport, and w ere eventually loaded on the airplane and flying to Los Angeles. Dad immediately settled dow n to nap w hile Fiona pulled out the research materials and began to read. By the time the plane touched dow n in Los Angeles, she w as more than halfw ay through the first stack. After a tw o hour layover in Los Angeles, they boarded the flight to Beijing. It w ould be a grueling flight, and they

the flight to Beijing. It w ould be a grueling flight, and they w ould not arrive until late the follow ing day. Fiona took the time to read and re-read the materials, finally stopping simply because she w as too tired to make sense of the documents. Closing her eyes, she attempted to rest, but her mind kept shifting from the past to the present. Bittersw eet memories blocked out as too painful alternately surfaced and receded. Kellach and Con; her heart ached for them. Kellach’s face sw am behind her eyelids, smiling, sometimes brooding, expressions she had w itnessed a hundred times. His love could never be replaced by another. In her mind’s eye, she could smell Con’s baby scent and feel the silk of his baby hair. Jerking aw ake, tears streamed dow n her face as the dream subsided, bereft and alone, her thoughts returned to the present. Gratefully, Dad still snored softly, no explanation for the tears w ould be necessary. The lights in the cabin had been dimmed, few passengers w ere aw ake, and those that w ere w atched movies or read quietly. The hum of the jet’s engines w as the only noticeable sound. I’m coming home, Kellach, she thought, help me find you.

Chapter Fifty-Three Beijing, People’s Republic of China, home of the infamous Forbidden City. To an American girl w ho had never traveled outside the Continental United States, Fiona’s hometow n senses w ere physically assaulted by the sights and clamor of present day China. Their group w as met immediately upon arrival by a representative from the Chinese Government w ho escorted them through Customs and into a w aiting transport van, all the w hile chattering on, fortunately in English, about w hat w as expected and allow ed during their visit. They w ere driven a short distance to the Sino-Sw iss Beijing Airport Hotel, w hich proved to be a modern and convenient stop before a short flight to Lanzhou in the morning. Deciding that room service w as the preferred dinner choice, they all departed to their respective rooms for an evening of rest. All too early, they w ere again escorted to the Beijing Airport for the flight to Lanzhou, a vital stop for caravans in the ancient past. Reservations w ere already in place at the Lanzhou Legend Hotel, and they w ould stay in Lanzhou for tw o days, allow ing the group to tour some of the many historical sites. Fiona balked at the delay, fully convinced that her real destination lay further w est, but there w asn’t much she could do about it, the itinerary had been set long before she joined the group and her desires held little

before she joined the group and her desires held little w eight in the scheme of things. Her patience grew shorter w ith each passing day. Her father tried to interest her in accompanying him on some of the tours, but Fiona preferred to stay at the hotel, review ing the research materials, hoping to find some small bit of information that w ould aid her search. On the morning of the third day, they boarded a plane for the flight to Dunhuang. Several sites w ere located in and around Dunhuang and before daw n, four sturdy SUV’s pulled up in front of the hotel. They w ere loaded and w ere soon driving into the desert. The early morning w as chilly, but it w ould not be long before the heat of day w as upon them. At the first excavation site, Fiona stayed behind, w atching as the group moved forw ard, excited at the chance to view firsthand the ruins. By late morning, they returned to Dunhuang to make preparations for the trip to Loulan the next day. Fiona w as excited at the prospect. Maybe Loulan w ould be the place she sought. From Dunhuang, they drove through desolate and rugged terrain to the ancient site of Loulan, situated on w hat w as once the w estern bank of the Lop Nur Lake. The Tarim River, w hich once supported the area, had changed course over time and the desert eventually encroached, covering everything. It w as not as she remembered, much more arid, the hills lifeless and barren. Once, poplar trees covered portions of the landscape, but no more. Nothing here jogged any memories. Day after day she follow ed the research team, hoping against hope that something might remain for her to find, but gradually she accepted the fact that there w as nothing here. On one such excursion, she hiked to the top of a small hillock and rested for aw hile. Echoes of long ago rang

hillock and rested for aw hile. Echoes of long ago rang through her mind. She could almost hear the long-necked w ar horns; hear the clash of the sw ords and the din of the marketplace. She could almost hear Tanith’s voice and Xio Li’s chatter. Almost. If this w as the place, time had erased all but a few remaining structures, structures that w ere later in time than w hat she sought. Heavy of heart, she w alked back.

Chapter Fifty-Four Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Province. As the flight neared Urumqi, their guide pointed out various geological features. Urumqi w as completely surrounded by desert and sat on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. After landing and retrieving their luggage, they w ere again loaded into a transport van for the short ride from the airport to their accommodations at the Holiday Inn Hotel. Fiona’s lips curled, tourism had definitely hit China. They had the rest of the afternoon to themselves for sightseeing. Fiona thought the time w ould be better spent doing w hat they came to do, but the rest of the group voted to have a short holiday. Frustrated, Fiona felt like abandoning the w hole bunch and heading out on her ow n, but Dad pointed out that, under the circumstances, she w ould be better off sticking w ith the group and not risking a confrontation w ith the Chinese. The Chinese looked dow n hard at those visitors w ho did not conform to their rules and regulation, and there w as less chance of an incident if they w ere accompanied by their guide. To Fiona, the added delay seemed interminable and her anxiety steadily grew . Dad made plans to visit the Urumqi bazaar later in the day, asking her to join. After some thought, Fiona agreed to accompany him. Urumqi w as a melting pot of cultures and the bazaar w as a mishmash of ethnicity. Homemade

and the bazaar w as a mishmash of ethnicity. Homemade shish kebabs, thin-w rapper dumplings and baked dumplings, along w ith handmade noodles and pilaf w ere only a few of the culinary delights offered along the causew ay. Many of the stalls offered a variety of melons native to China for sale. Bartering w as fast and furious and droves of people crow ded the w alkw ays. Fiona threw herself into the moment, allow ing herself to forget for aw hile and enjoy the scenery. Tomorrow , she w ould focus on the real reason she w as here—trying to find a connection to the past or at least accepting the loss. The final days w ere as fruitless as the preceding ones. Day by day, little by little, she came to accept the facts. She w ould not find answ ers here, perhaps she never w ould. W hatever happened to her w as over and she could either, accept the inevitable and move on, or she could w allow in sorrow for the rest of her life. After w eeks of searching unsuccessfully for some small clue, she w as giving up. Nothing had surfaced to shed any light on how or w hy she had been a participant in a previous life.

Chapter Fifty-Five Standing in front of the mirror, Fiona stared at her reflection. Devoid of any makeup, her face w as pale and draw n, small stress lines visible around her eyes. Her hair hung limp and lifelessly dow n, her eyes shadow ed, sadness and disappointment reflecting in every fiber of her being. Pulling her hair back, she rolled it into a bun and stuffed it under a w ide-brimmed hat, uncaring how she looked. She gathered up her purse and w alked out of the hotel, w here she hailed a cab and directed the driver to the museum. This w as the last thing she had to do before they departed in the morning. Until today, she had held off visiting the museum and the blonde mummy, afraid of w hat she w ould see and feel, and then there w as the added burden that a baby had been discovered in the same tomb. She w as almost certain that the mummy of the baby could not have been her child. Con w as only a few months old w hen the events leading to her death occurred, but view ing the body w as the only w ay to be totally sure. Visiting the grave site and the excavation of the areas surrounding the ancient settlement had unnerved her, but nothing like this. Her palms w ere sw eating and her throat dry. Dad had solicitously offered to accompany her, but she refused, needing to do this alone. It w as time to say goodbye and put all of this behind her. Kellach and Con w ere gone into the mists of time, dead long before she

w ere gone into the mists of time, dead long before she had ever been born. Her stomach clenched, nausea threatening. It hurt to realize that her memories w ere beginning to fade. There w as too much contrast betw een her life now and the one she had lived w ith Kellach. Nothing here connected her to that life. The cab pulled to a stop before the museum, the driver w aiting expectantly. Fiona handed him some bills and climbed out, w illing herself to enter the museum. Like a scene from some suspense movie, she climbed the steps, one stair at a time, forcing herself forw ard. Entering the relative quiet of the museum, she w aited for a few minutes, allow ing herself to adjust to the dim light and giving herself a few extra moments to mentally prepare. Not that she hadn’t been prepared from the first day she came on this trip, but nothing so far w ould be as emotionally trying as this w ould be, and view ing w hat she felt w as her ow n body w as going to be draining to say the least. She had a few hours until closing time, so she strolled slow ly along, taking her time and perusing each exhibit carefully. Many of the items w ere objects she remembered using in everyday life back then; spindles, looms, small leather pouches, cutting tools, and a variety of textiles. Some of the cloth w as so w ell preserved that the colors w ere as vivid as w hen the bodies w ere first laid to rest. A museum guide, a Uyghur by her brow n hair and rounder hazel eyes, approached and, in accented English, asked if she needed assistance. Fiona shook her head “no” and the tour guide moved on. Fiona w atched her w alk aw ay, w ondering if she might be the progeny of one of those ancient Caucasians w ho once w alked these grounds. Until DNA testing w as implemented and completed, no one

Until DNA testing w as implemented and completed, no one w ould know for sure. The archw ay leading to the room w here the mummies w ere housed stood starkly in front of her. Denial almost allow ed her to flee, but know ing she w ould never rest until she did this, she squared her shoulders and marched in. The mummies w ere arranged in somew hat the same fashion as they had been in their original burial chambers. She moved through them, reading the labels and noting their condition. In a small corner, she found w hat she w as looking for. She sat dow n on a bench conveniently situated near the glass enclosure. Though the mummy saddened her, she couldn’t empathize w ith it. It w as just a body, sad, but nothing more. Relieved, she now knew that the baby w as not Con either, the baby w as much larger than Con had been, and the hair darker and straight, Con’s had been almost w hite and curly. She had no idea w ho it w as, but it might have been the poor baby of the prostitute. She w ould never know . Tears flow ed, mostly from relief but sad ones all the same. She allow ed herself to cry. Bending over and covering her face w ith her hands, she released her pent-up emotions, finally letting go. **** He ran up the steps, checking his w atch again. He w as later than usual, only fifteen minutes to visit w ith his lady before closing time. Tossing the exact amount to the cashier, he hurried through the connecting halls to his lady’s niche. Tomorrow he w ould be going home and this w ould be his last chance to see her before departing. The University only allotted a small amount of funding for his research and it w ould be another year before he received the allotment again. This had been his fifth visit to China,

the allotment again. This had been his fifth visit to China, and after locating and becoming acquainted w ith his lady, he found time every day to visit her for a few minutes. To his annoyance, another person occupied his usual seat and he w ould not be alone w ith her. From outw ard appearances, it w as a young w oman, though she appeared to be crying, her face buried in her hands. Perhaps she w ould leave if he made himself know n. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she,” he leaned against the glass enclosure, staring dow n at the mummy w ho haunted his every w aking moment and most of his dreams as w ell. “I visit everyday and sit w ith her for aw hile. I can’t seem to get enough of her.” Fiona froze, her hands covering her face. W ithout a doubt, she w as finally losing her mind. So strong w as her desire to find Kellach, she w as now imagining him talking to her! She felt normal, though, and she knew w here she w as, but she w as definitely losing it. “Though no one know s it, her name w as Fiona,” he continued conversationally. “You probably think I’m crazy for believing that, but I knew it the moment I saw her.” He continued to stare dow n into the glass coffin. That voice! That much loved voice! She knew that voice as if it w ere her ow n, and though he w as speaking English, the deep mellifluous tones of his voice w ere unchanged. Her heart rate escalated, pounding in excitement, blood rushing to her face, a tingling sensation running dow n every limb. She felt as though she w ere choking and dizziness threatened to overw helm her! Fiona tilted her head slightly and peeked through her fingers, not daring to believe. Though his back w as to her, the man stood tall, w ith short blond hair curling around his ears and shoulders almost obscuring the w idth of the glass

ears and shoulders almost obscuring the w idth of the glass case, his long muscular legs show ing beneath the khaki w alking shorts. Fiona gasped, draw ing a deep breath, realizing she had forgotten to breathe. Staring at his back, her hands began to tremble and she dropped them to her lap, holding onto her knees to steady them. The man continued talking, as if to himself. “She w as excavated from a gravesite near Loulan. They say she might have been a sacrificial victim, but I know otherw ise.” His w ords w ere mere murmurs, for his benefit alone. Fiona sw allow ed hard, “How do you know ?” she croaked softly, not daring to speak louder. “She w as murdered,” he sounded so sad, “murdered by a bitch of a w oman before he could save her.” “W ho…w ho couldn’t save her?” she w hispered. “The man w ho loved her—her husband. He tried, he almost made it, but he w as too late.” The man’s head dropped, as if in pain. “He executed her murderer, but he w as too late!” “How do you know this?” He inhaled deeply, “I have alw ays know n, she has haunted my dreams for as long as I can remember. He couldn’t save her, though he tried so very hard.” The bell signaling the closing of the museum sounded. He sighed, speaking to the mummy, “Goodbye, sw eet lady. Until next year.” He turned to leave, not even glancing in her direction. As if in a dream, she w atched him w alk aw ay. She needed to see his face! Struggling, she labored to find something to say, something to keep him here for a few moments longer. “W hat happened to him—the husband?” she croaked.

“W hat happened to him—the husband?” she croaked. He stopped, “He died—eventually. He did save his son, though.” Fiona’s heart leapt, “He saved Con!” she shrieked jumping up. “How do you know that?” Tears glistened on her cheeks. The man straightened up, his bearing stiff, as though fearful of turning around. Shaking himself, he slow ly sw iveled around until he faced her. She stared into eyes the color of liquid honey, but brooding and closed, not w arm as she remembered. As he returned her look, recognition daw ned in the depths of his eyes. “W ho are you? How do you know about Con?” he demanded. “Fiona, my name is Fiona. Fiona Sutton.” Excitement caused her voice to break. Gone w as the tattoo that had decorated his face in the past, but the face w as the same, the lips full and masculine, the small indentation kissing his chin, the blond hair, easily the most gorgeous hunk of male she had ever seen! “W ho are you?” Fiona asked, secretly praying for the right answ er. His gaze never w avering, he reached up and pulled the hat from her head. Long hair the color of silver-gilded moonbeams fell to her w aist, framing her face. Shocked, he could only stare into eyes the color of spring leaves, glistening w ith unshed tears. Her perfectly sculpted face, devoid of any makeup, took his breath aw ay. Her full trembling lips curved slightly upw ards, the merest hint of a smile escaping. “You don’t exist! You’re just a dream!” He ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture so w ell remembered. “I must be dreaming again!” he exclaimed. Every memory, every dream centered around this w oman or a w oman so

every dream centered around this w oman or a w oman so close in looks, he w as at a loss to understand. He turned aw ay, almost angry, desperate to believe but afraid at the same time. Fiona touched his arm, “If you are, then w e both must be,” she reassured him, “because I’m having the same dream.” Suspicion narrow ed his eyes, “Tell me again, w ho are you?” “My name is Fiona Sutton. I am the daughter of Professor Sutton.” “James Sutton?” he asked, surprised. “He’s here right now , isn’t he? I think I heard that.” “Exactly! I’m his daughter.” “But w hy do you look exactly like my dream lady?” Sadness glimmered in the depth of his eyes. “W hy do you look exactly like Kellach?” And surprise again registered on his face, “You know about Kellach?” Fiona nodded, suddenly shy, “Are you the reincarnation of Kellach—are you Kellach?” He shook his head, “Not Kellach, at least not in this life. My name is Kelly, Kelly Ballard. I’m from southern California, an associate professor of Celtic studies.” “But w ere you Kellach in another life?” “I don’t honestly know ,” he sighed. “I’ve had these dreams, really vivid dreams, for as long as I can remember, and they’ve gotten w orse lately.” A museum guide stepped in, “Closing time,” she intoned in her singsong English, “Leave now .” She shooed them w ith her hands, pushing them out the door. “Come back tomorrow . Museum opens 9:00.” Reluctantly, they stepped out of the room, each barely able to keep their

stepped out of the room, each barely able to keep their eyes off the other. “And…” Fiona prompted him softly. “And in my dreams, it is another time and place and there is this beautiful w oman w ho I love more than life itself and she is murdered and I can’t save her, no matter how many times I dream the same dream over and over.” He looked at her intently, “Do you have those kinds of dreams?” “I only had one, or memories of some other time surfaced. I don’t know . I w as in a car w reck and that’s w hen they surfaced. I can’t believe you are actually standing here,” Fiona breathed. “I had given up all hope of ever seeing you again.” The museum guide pushed them impatiently along, her attitude one of frustration and annoyance. “Come w ith me.” Kelly took her arm. “Have you eaten?” They w alked out into the evening sun. Fiona slow ly perused his beloved face. Such a perfect match for Kellach, although lacking the striking facial tattoo. Shaggy blonde hair, longer than currently fashionable, framed his strong, sensuous features. His w arm honey eyes smoldered as he returned her curious gaze, delving deep into her soul, searching for answ ers. Fiona felt his confusion, hope glimmering in the shuttered recesses. Fiona’s lips curved in a slight smile. “Seems like all I’ve done lately is w ander around searching for you.” Surprised, Kelly exclaimed. “You came here looking for me?” Her eyes dropped. “Yes,” she nodded, “you and Connach, and to find a reason w hy I dreamt of this place.” Her face pinked w ith the admission. Kelly reached out, gently cupping her face, forcing her

Kelly reached out, gently cupping her face, forcing her eyes to him. “You’ve been in my dreams for most of my life.” His smile flashed, dimples deepening his cheeks. Fiona’s heart contracted painfully—his smile w as so identical to Kellach’s, w arm and compelling. “Your tooth,” she exclaimed, “it’s straight.” “Uh, yeah, four years of braces in high school. Four years for one silly tooth.” He led her dow n the steps of the museum. “W hat specifically do you remember about that life?” Smiling impishly, she reminisced. “I remember Conan w as once a menu item.” Tilting his head to the side, he regarded her quizzically. “So you remember Conan as w ell.” “And Tanith, and Siran, Cyrnon, Xio Li and Mei Mei, everyone my ancestor or w hoever she w as, came in contact w ith.” She w aited expectantly for his response. A faraw ay look settled on Kelly’s face. “I have had so many dreams of those people, but mostly I dreamt of a beautiful blonde w oman I loved beyond reason—a w oman w ho w as murdered by a dark-haired w itch.” His voice grew husky w ith emotion. “I know —Voadicia.” She hesitated. “Kellach looked just like you, except for the tattoo of a bird on the side of his face—and he had longer hair!” She reached up, smoothing his temple. “Here, and then the tattoo w ent up onto his forehead.” His voice deepened seductively as he trapped her hand against his face. “Do I have to have a tattoo?” “Back then, everyone had them. Now ? I don’t think so! It w ouldn’t look right.” “Oh, I don’t know ,” he said. “In California, tattoos and

“Oh, I don’t know ,” he said. “In California, tattoos and piercing are pretty fashionable.” He pulled his shirt sleeve up. A small tattoo of a bird of prey decorated his upper arm. Fiona gasped. It w as so like the one on Kellach’s face, it w as almost eerie. “How did you know ?” “In one of my dreams, Kellach looked into a bronze mirror—one that he gave to Fiona. I remember w hat the tattoo looked like.” He shrugged in embarrassment. “It made me feel closer to her.” Taking her hand, he led her dow n a number of side streets, zigzagging through the busy marketplace. Raucous sounds assaulted Fiona’s ears—people haggling over prices, street vendors calling out their w ares, and the honking of small cars forcing their w ay through the crow ded streets. Finally, he stopped in a small, secluded oriental garden surrounding a small fountain, ringed by several low benches. Charmed, Fiona sat dow n, enjoying this island of serenity aw ay from the noise of the busy streets. Coughing delicately, she hesitated, suddenly aw kw ard. “Are you involved w ith anyone?” “Do you mean, do I have a girlfriend or…” “Yes—a w ife or a girlfriend.” Fiona’s heart thumped erratically, fearful of his reply. Kelly drew a deep breath, mulling over his response. “No w ife and not many female friends—and none since I first saw her body! No one in this lifetime ever seemed to measure up. She w as like an obsession I couldn’t overcome —but now I’ve met you.” Kelly abruptly reached out, caressing her long hair, reverently fingering the soft silky strands. Fiona’s breath stilled and she froze, mesmerized by his touch. Buried emotions coursed through her being,

touch. Buried emotions coursed through her being, burgeoning up and enveloping her in a w arm cocoon of joy. “I’ve missed you so much,” she w hispered, fearful of breaking the spell that bound them. “I’m not Kellach.” He stated baldly. “But I have experienced every feeling he had in that life. Some of my first memories are his.” “I don’t know w hy and I w ill never understand, but I lived a life for tw o years that w asn’t my ow n, and it w asn’t just bits and pieces. I lived every day, tw enty-four seven; and I loved Kellach w ith every ounce of my soul and it hurt so badly the day he left. I knew I w ould never see him again.” Fiona’s lips trembled and tears coursed dow n her cheeks. “W hat about Con? You said you knew about Con.” Fearfully, she w aited for his answ er. “Con grew up to be a mighty w arrior and took over as leader of the southern tribe w hen Kellach abdicated. He fathered a w hole tribe by his five w ives and w as loved by all. Tanith and Kellach never let him forget his mother and he visited her grave often. You w ould have been so proud of him.” A huge lump formed in her throat, threatening to choke Fiona. “I never knew until today w hat happened to Connach. No matter w hat, I feel like I w as his mother and I never got to see him get his first tooth, or w alk or talk or any of the things a mother should see! My arms still ache for him. I w ould have so loved to see him grow up. It just isn’t fair.” Kelly drew her close, w rapping her in his comfort and strength, her face buried in the V of his neck. “I w ish you had those things. I can only tell you that he had a good life and he never forgot his mother. Kellach made sure of that.” Fiona w rapped her arms around him, afraid to let go, afraid

Fiona w rapped her arms around him, afraid to let go, afraid he w ould disappear again if she did. She inhaled his masculine scent. He might deny that he w as Kellach, but her senses told her differently. He felt the same w hen her arms circled his w aist. Kelly pulled back, searching her face for acceptance, or perhaps rejection, and w hen none came, he kissed her, his lips hungry and demanding. The months of loneliness and despair fell aw ay as she kissed him back, her mouth opening to him, craving his touch. “Fiona,” he w hispered, “I told you I w ould return.” Fiona burst out crying, tears of happiness and joy. “I w aited for you, but Voadicia had other ideas.” Kelly soothed her, w iping the tears aw ay, “She died that day, quickly and w ithout mercy.” Reluctantly, Kelly pulled back, releasing her. “Though I don’t w ant to, can I take you back to your hotel?” Something flickered across his features, perhaps sadness or yearning. Her eyes caught and held his. Boldly, Fiona replied. “No…but you can take me to yours.” Seconds ticked by. Nervous perspiration trickled dow n her armpits, as she w aited for his reaction, anxious and unsure. “Is that w hat you really w ant?” “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” she answ ered. She w asn’t about to lose him now that she’d found him again. “Don’t you w ant me?” “You need to ask? I’ve w anted you my w hole life.” Time ceased to exist as his lips claimed hers in an embrace that sizzled hotly in the coolness of the small garden. Fiona returned his kiss deeply, tongues dancing in a celebration of life. Her knees grew limp as desire pooled at the apex of

life. Her knees grew limp as desire pooled at the apex of her thighs, craving his touch and longing to touch in return. Her hands tugged at his neck, pulling his face dow n to better taste the firm, sensuous lines of his lips more completely. Kelly groaned, his hard body pressed demandingly against her, igniting fires buried under the loneliness of the past months. “We need to go—now !” He grow led, his eyes burning w ith blatant desire. Scooping her up, he strode purposely out of the garden, amid the curious and horrified stares of the passing shoppers. Fiona laughed gleefully, uncaring that they w ere making a foreign spectacle of themselves. Life had suddenly become too good to be true. Kellach had found her and she w as his once again. The last vestiges of ice that had settled around her heart melted in one final rush of joy. “W here are w e going?” She gasped. “My hotel is just around the corner.” And it w as. Kelly pushed open the inn’s door, storming tow ards the open-mouthed attendant at the front desk. Flipping her over his shoulder, Kelly tossed the attendant a handful of bills, spoke briefly and, w ithout breaking stride, headed to the stairs leading to the second floor. Fiona giggled at the attendant’s outraged expression as he chattered angrily w hile counting the bills. Kelly climbed the steps tw o at a time and hurried to a door at the end of the hall. Fiona marveled that he had not even broken a sw eat during the w hole process, instead acting as though her w eight w as less than nothing. “W hat did you say to that angry little man?” Kelly’s eyes tw inkled. “I told him you w ere my long lost w ife—not like I lied or anything! I think w e need to finish w hat w e started three thousand years ago.”

finish w hat w e started three thousand years ago.” “W hat exactly do you mean?” she asked. “I mean, I have no intention of ever letting you go, and that starts right now .” His eyes gleamed sensuously. “There’s just one small problem,” Fiona hesitantly confessed. “W hat’s that? Are you married, engaged, or something? I forgot to ask.” “No, no, nothing like that, it’s just, w ell, it’s just—I’m a virgin again!” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be, I’m not.” And she w asn’t, not then nor later. Hungrily, she pulled at his shirt, buttons popping as material ripped. W hen his chest w as finally bare, she laved his hard nipples w ith her tongue, delighting in his firm sleek muscles. Maybe not an eight pack this time, but certainly a six pack. Her hands w orked the buckle of his belt, fumbling in her haste to feel every inch of his being. Kelly laughed. “In a hurry?” His hands had mysteriously w orked their w ay under her clothing, thumbing her nipples to hard peaks. “You’d better believe it,” she gasped as she w orked the buckle free, unzipping his pants and pushing them dow n. His engorged member sprang up, pushing against her now bare belly. “Might be easier on both of us if my shoes w ere off.” Humor sparked from Kelly’s w arm gaze. “Oh, yeah! I forgot.” Fiona knelt in front of him, her long hair brushing his upper thighs as she w orked the laces of his shoes. Freed, Kelly kicked his trousers aside, fully naked now . Fiona stepped back, her eyes traveling up the length of him, noting w ith pleasure his w ell-endow ed member nestled at the V of his long muscular legs, w orking

member nestled at the V of his long muscular legs, w orking her w ay up his w ell-defined, lightly furred pecs, to shoulders so w ide, they obscured the room behind and, finally, to his w ell-loved face, curiously returning her gaze. “Do I pass inspection?” He teased. “Most certainly…and then some.” Fiona’s searching hands ran enticingly over every inch of his body, as though reaffirming his contours in her mind. Huskily, she asked, “How about me? Am I as you remembered?” Sensuously, she continued her ambush of his fevered senses. Kelly jerked as her hands closed around his manhood. “It’s been a long time,” he groaned, “and if you keep that up, I w on’t last.” Smiling seductively, Fiona stroked the silken length. “W e have all night—unless you have somew here to go.” “I’m in the only place I w ant to be,” he grow led softly, “and, yes, you are beautiful, more beautiful than I could ever dream or imagine.” W ith that, he picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and moved to the bed, his lips hungrily claiming her w illing lips, follow ing her dow n and stretching full length upon her now trembling form. Concerned, he hesitated. “Are you okay?” “Perfectly,” she panted, “just w ondering w hat’s taking you so long.” His seeking mouth w as everyw here, building the tension until Fiona thought she w ould faint from desire. His stroking hands stimulated her erogenous zones such that w hen Kelly finally claimed her, as Kellach had claimed Fiona so many thousands of years ago, he did so cherishingly and w ith tenderness and love. W hen the barrier had been breached, he w aited, allow ing her silken sheath to adjust to his generous size, until she moved against him, gasping w ith pleasure, w anting all of him, rolling her hips to adjust. Kelly

pleasure, w anting all of him, rolling her hips to adjust. Kelly gritted his teeth, w illing himself to last, w anting their first time together to brand itself into her mind, needing her to know the man she w as w ith w as him, not Kellach. He could feel Fiona’s tension building, small spasms rippling as she clutched him tighter, eyes closed as she mo ane d his name…Kelly; tossing her head and straining against him. Incoherent, small pleading noises escaped her lips. Kelly plunged in, hard and deep, rubbing and tickling her most sensitive spot until a scream erupted from her lips. Riding faster, Kelly groaned w ildly as his senses w hirled, joining her in one erotic, overw helming orgasm that seemed to go on and on. Finally, spent, he collapsed on top of her. Fiona’s mind sw am w ith pleasure. Sated and content, she lay there, listening to his breathing calm as he slow ly relaxed; grinning as he finally dozed off. Gently easing herself free, she moved to the w indow . Inhaling the night air, the scent of oriental lilies w afted on the slight breeze drifting through the open panes. Her eyes searched the night sky, reveling in the peace she had finally found so far from home. Mom, she w hispered to herself, I found him! Kelly’s husky voice broke her reverie, as a kiss dropped softly on her shoulder. “Come back to bed.” His hands stroked her arms, cupping her breasts as his hips rocked against her, his member stiff and prodding. “Don’t you ever get tired?” Her lips curved in a delighted smile. “Not now …not ever…not w here you’re concerned.” His lips tickled the sensitive spot at the nape of her neck, sending chills dow n her spine. “Besides, w e have something w e need to do?”

w e need to do?” Confused, Fiona turned to face him. “W hat?” “Con! We have to make him again. That’s the only w ay to complete the circle.” W rapping her arms around him, Fiona’s heart sw elled. Love w as everlasting!

One Year Later… “Come on, Honey,” Maeve’s voice floated through her consciousness. “Come on now , just a little more, you can do it.” Agonizing pain gripped her, “No, I can’t! I don’t w ant to do this anymore! I’ve changed my mind! Stop it, now !” Her voice rose on a scream. “Yes, you do, now push, push hard, one more time,” Maeve’s face hovered over her, her voice gentle but firm, w illing Fiona to obey, “the head is crow ning, come on, push, Baby, push one more time.” Kelly held her hand, his w ould be bruised in the morning by the strength of Fiona’s grip, but there w as no place on Earth he w ould rather be, broken hand or not. He comforted her, rubbing her back, w hile Maeve urged her to keep pushing. “Tell me about them again,” Fiona panted. “About w ho?” Maeve questioned. Fiona shook her head at Kelly, “Tell me about all of them again, about Tanith, and Siran and all the others.” “Tanith and Siran had a long and loving life. Tanith helped Kellach raise Con,” Kelly began. Fiona groaned as another pain gripped her. “Keep going,” she gasped. “Ceara married Cyrnon and they traveled as traders most of their life. Machar became Con’s closest confidant

most of their life. Machar became Con’s closest confidant and led the w arriors, the mightiest of w hich w as Berlach. Durlach took Xio Li to w ife and she continued as a healer in the tribe.” “W hat about Conan, tell me about Conan.” Her w ords ended on a cry of pain. “Conan survived and Machar cared for him and loved him to the end of his days. One or more of his offspring w ere alw ays kept by Kellach.” “And Kellach, tell me again about Kellach!” “Kellach had three w ives after you…” he hesitated. “That Rat Bastard!” Fiona grinned through the pain. Kelly laughed, “but he never loved any of them, he only loved Fiona.” “Then w hy did he marry again?” “They w ere merely concessions to strengthen the ties among the tribes. Kind of sad for them,” he said. “The head is out,” the doctor advised calmly, “one more big one, Fiona, and it’s done!” Fiona took a big breath, tightening every muscle in her body, and pushed as hard as she could. The baby slipped out and immediately started screaming, w aving small arms around. “It’s a boy,” the doctor laughed, “and a very healthy one by the sound of him.” Maeve started crying and ran to the door to tell Dad, “It’s a boy! It’s a boy!” The nurses cleaned him up quickly and laid him on Fiona’s chest. His perfect little head w as covered in curls so w hite, he almost appeared bald, and a small kissing dimple dented his tiny little chin. Kelly took the baby from her, laughing w ith pride and love, and lifting the baby high in the air, as if offering him to some ancient god.

some ancient god. “Conner,” he looked to her for approval, “his name is Conner.” Fiona nodded, love and contentment w ashed over her, healing the last of the hidden scars. A small memory surfaced and she smiled. She w as not the one w andering the afterlife alone. Rot in hell, Voadicia, she thought, rot in hell.

A word about the author… Offbeat is a perfect w ord w hen describing me. For many years, I taught, performed as w ell as choreographed dance. I am a dreamer and an avid reader of fiction, a sometime gardener and an inept crafter. I love to travel, alw ays returning to my beautiful Idaho w here I reside w ith my husband, Jack, my children and extended family, Jared, Travis, Zachary, April and Tannis, tw o huge cats and a toy poodle. I am a member of RW A and Fiona is my first novel, follow ed by Riley’s Journey. I am currently w orking on my third manuscript.